John Donald McKee

John Donald McKee, 83, of Kearneysville, WV passed away Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023 at the Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, VA.
John was born Oct. 3, 1939 in Kearneysville, WV., he was the son of the late John Howard McKee and Elizabeth Sowers (Burch) McKee Boyd.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Henry Burch McKee, and aunt Isabella Ebersole.
John McKee lived his life with no regrets, he had a wonderful and complete life. He was loved by everyone who knew him and had a smile for all. He was generous, kind and always objective. We are sad to see him leave, but have peace knowing that he lived the life that he was intended.
He graduated from Charles Town High School class of 1957. While in high school he worked at Whites Grocery Store and The Charles Town Livestock Sale.
John served in the U.S. Navy for seven years, did two tours in Guam, where he served as a Navy aviator, he ended his Navy career as a recruiter.
He was born a farmer he spent his summers baling hay and straw for his beloved, cattle and horses.
He raised and bred Black Angus and Pinzgaur Cattle for over 50 years.
John became a Thoroughbred Race Horse Trainer in 1969 with only one horse, and eventually grew to own one of the largest racing and breeding operations at the Charles Town race track. Some of John's top horses were Rachel's Turn, Waller, Chez Allie, So So, No Change, Bridging the Gap and Aye a Song.
John established the original Beau Ridge Farm in the early 70s in Bunker Hill, West Virginia, he eventually moved Beau Ridge Farm to Middleway, WV. Where he stood multiple thoroughbred stallion's, including leading sire Fiber Sonde.
He was one of the original board members and President of the West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association, he was also one of the first board members of The West Virginia Breeders Classic's. He served on the board of directors of the Charles Town HBPA.
John worked diligently his entire life to promote thoroughbred racing and the breeding industry in West Virginia.
He is survived by his loving wife Cyndy O'Bannon McKee and partner for over 45 years. In addition, he is survived by numerous cousins including Dixie Webb O'Brien, Sharon Webb Moore, Jean Loffler, Mary Kay Burke and Robert Burch.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 PM Monday, March 6 at the Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home Ranson, West Virginia.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the Beau Ridge Farm, 244 Tel Farm Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430 with Chaplain Pete Criswell and Dr. Henry Christie officiating.
Interment will be in Pleasant View Memory Gardens, Martinsburg, WV
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in John's name to Humane Society of Jefferson County, PO Box 147, Charles Town, WV 25414 or the Charles Town Aftercare Program, PO Box 136, Ranson, WV 25438.
Please sign his online guestbook at www.mtstrider.com
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