Robert D. McKee

Robert (Bob) McKee, 72, passed away on Wednesday, February 17th in Loveland, Colorado, surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Weatherford, Texas on May 21st, 1948, to Madeline and Walter McKee. He was an only child. Due to his father’s work in the Air Force, Bob spent his childhood moving around the state of Texas, but graduated high school from Coronado High in Lubbock. After high school, Bob enlisted in the Navy and fought in The Vietnam War. It was during this time that Bob was appointed as an official court reporter/ stenographer for the Navy. He was tasked with producing the official Record of Proceedings for the Court of Inquiry investigating the seizure and detention of the USS Pueblo (AGER-2). The Vice Admiral of The U.S. Navy described Bob’s work as, "superlative…[and] stood apart as being particularly outstanding and far beyond that which might have been expected”. After his time in the Navy, Bob moved back to Texas to attend court reporting school. Upon completion of his degree, he accepted a job in Cheyenne, Wyoming. There Bob and a business partner built a successful freelance court reporting business. It was also in Cheyenne where Bob met future Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Al Taylor, who asked him to move to Douglas, Wyoming to serve as the official court reporter to the Converse County Circuit Court. Bob would describe this move to Douglas as the luckiest thing to ever happen to him, as it was there he met his future wife, Kathryn Kae McKee, an elementary school teacher. The couple built a life for themselves in Douglas, having two children, Kent and Jessica. Bob served as the District Court court reporter for nearly 40 years and worked alongside many who became close friends. He was the stenographer for many high profile cases, including the muder of University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shephard. Bob finished his career serving as a respected Municipal Judge in Converse County. He found his eight years on the bench to be both rewarding and a real honor. But it was in Bob’s personal life where he was happiest. He spent countless hours riding backcountry roads on his BMW motorcycle, taking his family to Rockies games, and spending time with close friends. Bob and Kathy retired in Colorado to be closer to their children. In retirement, Bob spent his time traveling with his wife, visiting with his children, and writing. He became a celebrated writer of fiction, having published numerous short stories, as well as 5 Western novels, two of which received the prestigious Will Rogers Medallion. He followed the stories of his characters and often said he enjoyed spending his time with them in the 1890s. Bob will be remembered for his deep intelligence, sense of humor, and passion. He was a loving friend, father, and husband. He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife and two children.