David Alan McKee
David Alan McKee, 71, of Republic, Missouri, passed away on July 30, 2026. He was born September 6, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas, to William and Frances Herrman McKee.
David grew up in and around Mulvane, Kansas. He later made his home in Aurora, Missouri and finally Republic, Missouri. Early on, he found his purpose in the U.S. Army. A proud veteran of the Vietnam Era, he served honorably in Germany as a trusted driver for his sergeant and earned the National Defense Service Medal as well as recognition as an expert marksman.
After his military service, David built a long and successful career in sales. He got his start in dairy equipment, working his way up to area manager, and later became a respected technical sales engineer for industrial equipment. He spent his final working years in that role at Siemens.
David was a proud patriot and a conservative who loved his country deeply. He enjoyed camping and spending time at the lake, especially fishing for crappie and bass. He never turned down a good cup of coffee or something sweet, and he made a tradition of bringing donuts whenever he visited his grandbabies. David had a gift for fixing or building just about anything, and many mornings you could find him visiting with the guys at the Country Junction. He enjoyed watching football, weekly trips to his favorite Mexican restaurant, ice cream runs, jeep and motorcycle rides, and, of course, a good nap in his recliner. It was these simple pleasures, shared with the people and places he loved that brought David the greatest joy. Above all, David was a proud husband, dad, and papa. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, who held a special place in his heart.
David was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, William McKee and Donald McKee; his sister, Bertha Kinsey; and his son-in-law, Tom Arnall.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara McKee; his children, Cary McKee (Brittany), Clint McKee (Alyssa), and Sarah Letsinger (Craig), all of whom he shared with their mother, Peggy Proctor McKee; his step-children, Shelly Arnall, Andrea Wetzel (Eric), and Kristen Havens (Brock); his brother, Gary Herrman; his grandchildren, Abbey McKee, Paisley McKee, Brody McKee, Lilian Letsinger, Emory Letsinger, Emily Arnall Brown, Sydney Arnall, Talon Wetzel, Willow Wetzel, and Riley Havens; his great-granddaughter, Bella Brown; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life with full Military Honors will be held on his birthday, September 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hood United Methodist Church in the North Corner Chapel, 139 N. Walnut Ave. Republic, Missouri 65738.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the National Veterans Foundation (https://nvf.org)
Arrangements under the care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory.
