Arthur Chester McKee Jr.

WEST GARDINER – On Feb. 3, 2021, Arthur Chester McKee Jr. went into the arms of God. His wife, Patricia McKee was by his side. He was at the Augusta Health care and Rehabilitation Center at the time of his death. He was born on Oct. 18, 1925, in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Arthur C. McKee Sr. and Dorothy (Braun) McKee.

He attended Brooklyn Tech, where he studied Aeronautical Engineering until his family moved to Maine. He worked at Bath Iron Works until he was drafted into the United Stated Army. He proudly served his country during World War II. After his discharge from the army, he and his father began the McKee Construction Co. They started by building residential homes and then moved into the commercial sector, eventually focusing on school buildings. After his father’s passing, Arthur ran a successful business based on his knowledge, integrity and honesty.

He had a passion for boats and owned many during his lifetime. He was a 67-year member of the American Legion Post #2 in Augusta. In 2013 he was presented with his 60-year pin. He was also a past member of the Gardiner Lions Club.

Arthur always had a dog in his life to care for and enjoy. He leaves behind Jo Kim, his greyhound and Dusty, his cat.

He was a member of Highland Avenue United Methodist Church, where he and his wife, Pat, were married, Oct. 2, 2004. In 2012 he was presented with the mission pin given annually to a church member that demonstrates their unfailing love to help others. He was a member of the trustees and belonged to the United Methodist Men’s Group.

Arthur was a classic movie buff, he loved Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddie and Allen Jones movies along with many others. In the summer he enjoyed shows at the Maine State Music Theatre, with Pat and their friends and neighbors. His favorite musical was “Oklahoma”.

He loved Lucky Gardens, his favorite restaurant. He enjoyed the people, food and excellent service he received weekly, where he and his wife Pat, went on their “date night.”

He made many trips with Pat to Aruba. He also traveled to Alaska with Pat and his first cousins, Cheryl and Joseph Dattoma. He also traveled to many places within the continental United States.

Arthur was predeceased by his parents; his infant son, David; his first wife, Ada (Hall) McKee; his sister; his uncle, Walter Braun; and his stepson, Michael Dale Griffin.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia G. McKee, of West Gardiner; son, William David McKee (Merrillyn) of Gardiner, stepdaughters Joan Griffin of Winthrop, Bobbi Jo Hart of Manchester; step-granddaughters Briana Hart and Sarah Hart, Augusta; step-great-grandchildren Jacob, Ariana and Gavin Lucas of Augusta; and many nieces, nephews.

In My Heart

I thought of you today, But that is nothing new.

I thought of you yesterday, And days before that too.

I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.

Now all I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part.

God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart!

Love you, Babe

A big thank you to the angels that lovingly helped with Arthur’s care, Diane, Cheryl and Jan.

A memorial service/celebration of life is planned for August 21 at Highland Avenue United Methodist Church, 35 Highland Ave., Gardiner at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery following the luncheon at 3 p.m. with military honors.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

Highland Avenue United Methodist Church

35 Highland Ave.

Gardiner, ME 04345 or the

Humane Society

10 Pet Haven Ln.

Augusta, ME 04330