William Levi Mckee

William Levi McKee, age 87, passed away on February 8, 2025. William was born on November 23, 1937, in LaGrita, Colorado, to Lavell McKee and Wylma Helen Clutter.

Bill joined the Navy and served on Midway Island. He spoke often of helping to move blimps from New Jersey to Nevada for atomic testing.

After his service, he came home and married the love of his life, Mary Ann Draves, in 1960.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary, and his brothers Jerry, Jack, and Darrell, as well as many nieces, nephews, and the many “heart children” of his life.

Though Bill and Mary were not able to have their own children, they had many “heart-adopted children.” To all of us “heart children,” the most important contribution he gave this world was his love, patience, and life lessons that he shared with all of us—including riding his bicycle backward with him on the handlebars.

Bill and Mary came to Aztec in 1985 and owned and operated McKee Appliance until he retired.

Bill was a very talented man who enjoyed numerous hobbies, including hang gliding, hunting, fishing, rock collecting, boating, camping, astronomy, archery, meeting new friends, welding, tractor building, bicycle building and riding, mushroom hunting, and so much more.

Bill was an avid gardener and was self-sufficient. He could build and fix almost anything. He was trusted by wild animals in a special and unique way.

A celebration of life will be planned in the springtime.