McKEE, Irma N. (Craig)

McKee, Irma Nadine Craig Former longtime Duncan resident, Irma Nadine Craig McKee, 87, was born in Cordell, OK on February 2, 1922 and died in Dallas, TX on June 7, 2009. Visitation will be held today, Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Don Grantham Funeral Home with graveside services to follow at 2:30 p.m. at Lawnview Cemetery in Cordell, Oklahoma. Nadine grew up in Cordell with her two sisters Opal and Elaine and it is also where she met and fell in love with Bob C. McKee. They were married May 5, 1941 in Cordell and had just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. After Bob's deployment in World War II, Nadine and Bob moved back to Cordell where they had their first child David. Shortly after, they moved to Norman, OK for Bob to go to school and their second son Dennis was born while there. After Bob's graduation in 1951, the family moved to Duncan for Bob to begin work at Halliburton. Another child, Debra, was born in Duncan. In 1959, Nadine began commuting to Oklahoma College for Women (OCW) in Chickasha to earn her degree in teaching. She began her career in the Duncan Public Schools in 1963 and taught with tremendous passion for her students in various elementary schools until 1985. Nadine was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of Duncan and active member of the DAR, all while supporting and participating in her children's activities. Through the years, she was also involved in her church circle, a tatting club, tennis, aerobics, and many other groups in her beloved community. In May 2001, Nadine and Bob moved to Dallas to be closer to some of their children. After the move, Nadine became a full time caregiver to Bob who suffered a massive stroke one month after arriving in Dallas. She continued to care for him day and night for 6 1/2 years before succumbing to a debilitating stroke herself Thanksgiving Day, 2007. Nadine will be missed by her family and friends, but especially by her beloved husband Bob. In addition to Bob, Nadine is survived by a sister, Elaine Stark of Houston, TX, three children and their spouses, David and Diane McKee of Lake Forest, IL, Dennis and Sherry McKee of Lake Kiowa, TX, and Debra (McKee) and Lou Tarantino of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Elizabeth and her husband Joel Norton of Vernon Hills, IL, Julie and her husband Keil Shults of Corinth, TX , Michael McKee of Dallas, TX, Amy McKee of San Marcos, TX, Gabrielle Tarantino and Christopher Tarantino of Dallas, TX, her great grandson, William Norton, and several nieces and nephews. The family is extremely thankful to Raquel, Solla, Luis, Lorrietta, Marie, and Juliet for the wonderful love, care, and support given to our cherished Mom and Grandma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Nadine's memory to First Presbyterian Church of Duncan or the charity of the donor's choice.