Richard W. "Mud" McKee

Richard William "Mud" McKee, 74, passed away suddenly at his home on March 9, 2025, in Hanover, Pennsylvania. 

Born on March 19, 1950, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Richard graduated from Warren Central High School in 1968, then pursued his education at Indiana University Bloomington, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. His career spanned decades in the financial sector, beginning as a Financial Advisor in 1978 with the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board in Denver, Colorado which was the role he always considered his most meaningful because he helped widows obtain the benefits to support their families. His career as a Financial Advisor took him across the country from Olathe, Kansas to Hereford, Maryland to Stewartstown, Pennsylvania. He ultimately found his forever home in Adams County Pennsylvania when he and his wife purchased the McKee Allstate Agency in Hanover so that they could work side by side supporting the insurance and financial services needs of the community they came to love. In 2017, his dedication to helping others navigate their financial futures continued through his role as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Hanover until his retirement. 

Richard was a born and bred Hoosier with an unbridled passion for IU Basketball. He was a proud Eagle Scout, Hanover Rotarian, and Rails to Trails Conservancy member. He was an active supporter of the YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and enjoyed zipping up his white go-go boots to raise money for victims of domestic violence in Hanover and Adams Counties. He loved sailing, photography, fishing and everything Gettysburg from the 100 days of Taps, the Gettysburg Film Festival to a walk on the battlefields with his wife Kelly, he often declared that they were "goofy in love" and they were. He was known for his trustworthiness, humor, kindness, and big, big heart. He found joy in traveling, riding roller coasters, and one of his most favorite things was "family time" with his beloved mom, Betty; dad, Harold; brother, Dan; sister, Cathy; and their families. He especially enjoyed playing cribbage, holiday craft projects, mini golf and cheering his niece, Erin's blocked soccer goals. However, over the past few years, nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his granddaughters and creating cherished memories and adventures. 

Survivors include his beloved wife of nearly 16 years, Kelly E. McKee; stepdaughter, Lauren J. Bernstein and her husband, Eric; granddaughters, Sophie Bernstein and Claire Bernstein; stepson, John Charles Ellston, III; granddaughter, Emmalyn Ellston; brother, Daniel McKee and his wife, April; nephew, Corey McKee; sister, Cathy Dees and her husband, Dennis; and niece, Erin Estapa and her husband, Danny. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Betty (Snyder) McKee. 

The family will receive friends at a viewing from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Inc., located at 311 Broadway, Hanover, PA 17331. A Celebration of Life will follow at 5:00 PM. 

Richard's warmth and generosity touched many lives. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southeastern Volunteer Emergency Services (SAVES), 5865 Hanover Road, Hanover, PA 17331 or to the American Heart Association by visiting heart.org