Loren Eugene 'Gene' McKee, 97, died April 1, 2019, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born December 4, 1921, in Sterling, the son of Bodie Eugene and Ida Dell (Kohs) McKee. Gene graduated from Nickerson High School and was a cattleman, owning MerriMac Charolais Ranch. Over a 15-year period showing Charolais cattle, he showed 465 champions. Gene was a lifetime member of Loyal Order of Moose #982 and Mitchell Chapel United Methodist Church. He was known to many as 'Gene, Gene, the Dancing Machine.'

On February 14, 1943, Gene married Mary Marie Brown. She died July 3, 2011. On June 5, 2014, he married Twilla Irene (Pitts) Garber. She survives.

Also surviving are: son, Dennis McKee (Lila), Hutchinson; grandchildren, Debbie Glass (Greg Frisbee), South Hutchinson, John Glass (Wynnetta), South Hutchinson, Bodie McKee, Hutchinson, Mary 'Emmy' Johnson (Andrew), Hutchinson; five great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by: his parents; daughters, Catherine Voss, Sharon Engelland; brother, Lloyd; and sister, Hallie Gump.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Jeff Goetzinger officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Friends may sign the book from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.