William “Bill” John Franklin McKee

July 28, 1941 – September 1, 2026

William “Bill” John Franklin McKee, a loving, funny, spirited, and adventurous soul, was born on the 28th of July, 1941, in Anderson, Ind. Known by his friends, family, and community as Bill, he passed away on the 1st of September, 2026. Bill was a longtime member of the Cicero Christian Church, where he was known for his friendly greetings.

On the 6th of September, 1975, Bill married the love of his life, Glenna “Susie” McKee. As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, his family was the center of his world. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susie; his cherished son and daughter-in-law, Jackson and Christine Purkey; his adored grandson, Declan Purkey; his brother, Robert McKee; and several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also held a special place in his heart for his sister-in-law, Darlene Williamson. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William H. McKee and Ester A. McKee; his sister, Barbara Shields; and his sister-in-law, Carol McKee.

Bill was a graduate of Madison Heights, Class of 1959 and attended Ball State for a short time before serving in the United States Army. He then began his career at Guide Lamp in Anderson, Ind. Bill was a journeyman by trade and a tool and die maker for over 35 years. After retirement he enjoyed his second career with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department in the Juvenile Detention Center. He was a member of the Anderson Masonic Lodge #77, Kiwanis Club, and the Cicero Ski Club. He enjoyed farming, raising pigs and was passionate about camping, traveling to Canada for fishing trips with his family and in-laws. He had a love of motorcycles, and cars and enjoyed spending time on his houseboat in Kentucky. Bill’s love for water started at a young age and continued throughout his life.

A visitation will be held for Bill from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Hartley-Dunnichay Funeral Home, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero. The funeral service will follow at the same location at 2 p.m. with Scott Miller officiating. Cremation will take place and a private family burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cicero Christian Church, Hamilton County Humane Society, or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

We invite you to celebrate the life of William “Bill” McKee by sharing your fondest memories and photos on his memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a comfort to his family and friends as they navigate this difficult time. Let us honor his memory by keeping his spirit alive through our shared stories and photographs.

Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com