Kansas State Professor Dr. Miles McKee Passes
Longtime Kansas State University animal science professor and renowned beef cattle judge Richard “Miles” McKee, 91, passed away on Monday August 30, 2021, in Manhattan, Kansas.
Miles was born on October 8, 1929, to Nell (Miles) McKee and Thomas F. McKee in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. He was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart, Marjorie (Fisk) McKee on June 22, 1952, in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. They raised one daughter Annell, and three sons, Dave, Richard, and John.
Miles grew up on a ranch in Chase County, Kansas. He attended Kansas State University (KSU) receiving a degree in animal science. He enlisted in the U.S Marine Corps and served in the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant. Upon completion of his service he worked as a beef herdsman on ranches in Kansas, Missouri, and Michigan. He returned to KSU as the herdsman for the purebred beef unit. Miles received his Doctoral Degree in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky in 1968 and returned to KSU, to join the Animal Science and Industry faculty where he received numerous teaching awards and developed a reputation as a top beef cattle judge. His greatest legacy is as an academic advisor, guiding, mentoring, and caring for generations of students. Miles felt each student who walked in his office door was special and unique.
In 2015, Miles received the initial “Don L. Good Impact Award” from Kansas State’s Livestock and Meat Industry Council. Miles was a member of the 1950 National Champion Livestock Judging team at Kansas State coached by Dr. Good.
Miles was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan where he sang in the choir and volunteered part-time as a host and receptionist in retirement. He enjoyed tending his apple trees, harvesting a bounty of apples that his wife Marjorie processed into apple sauce and pie fillings each year. For years Miles served as a “Burger and Brats Griller” at the Animal Science tailgate tent on Football Saturdays greeting current and former students from across the state.
Miles was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, parents Nell and Thomas, one brother, Tom, and two sisters, Margaret and Jane. He is survived by his, four children Dave (Susan), McKee of Sheridan, Wyoming; Richard McKee of Topeka, Kansas; Annell (Gary) Danczyk of Whitefish, Montana; John (Angie) McKee of San Clemente, California; and nine grandchildren.
Services are pending at this time and will be announced by the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Charitable donations in memory of Miles can be made to the Miles McKee Student Enrichment Fund, at the Department of Animal Science and Industry, Kansas State University, 1424 Claflin Road, 232 Weber Hall, Manhattan, KS. 66506-8028. For more information contact: 785-532-6533, or asi@ksu.edu.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
