News-Times, Newport, Oregon October 24, 2001 A7

Oren Thomas "Tom" McKee, 81, of Prineville died Sept. 29, 2001.

He was born in Lincoln, (Lancaster Co.) Nebraska on Feb. 11, 1920 to Ernest A. and Mattie C. (Sampson) McKee.

He moved to McMinnville (Yamhill Co., OR) in 1937.

He joined the United States Navy on Dec. 11, 1939, and served as an instructor in radio operations. He also supervised the operation of all types of radio equipment. He served on the USS Savannah, USS Independence and USS Curtis. He left the Navy onf Dec. 14, 1945 with the rank of Chief Radio Man.

After graduation from the Skadron Business College in California, he married Velda J. Jenne in 1950. The couple owned and operated the Barn Tavern in north Portland from 1952 to 1980. They built a home in Sandpiper Village in Waldport (Lincoln Co., OR) in 1972 and retired there. They built and moved to a duplex in Prineville last summer.

Survivors include his wife, Velda McKee of Prineville; sons and daughter-in-law Thomas M. and Sally McKee and John A. McKee, all of Prineville; a brother, Elmont McKee of Lincoln, Nebraska; and grandchildren Joshua M. McKee, Lori A. McKee and Michael Feldman.

Private graveside services were held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Memorial contriubtions are suggested to the Yaquina Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Memorial Scholarship, in care of Nancy Hoey, 324 N. Spruceway Drive, Waldport 97394, or to Pioneer Memorial Hospice, 1201 NE Elm St., Prineville, OR 97754. Arrangements are under the direction of Prineville Funeral Home.