Patrick Dean McGhee

1966 - 2024

Patrick Dean McGhee was born on June 24th, 1966: He suddenly transitioned onto glory on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024.

Patrick was the 4th child out of 6 born to Sam and Elizabeth McGhee in Aurora, Illinois. At one point in his childhood, Patrick was a member of The Starlight Band children's choir, and later The McGhee family Singers, singing at local church meetings, while attending Oak Park Elementary School.

Patrick became interested in track at Simmons Middle School. Once he reached high school, through his hard work on both the track and cross country teams of East Aurora High School, Patrick set a fierce pace and became a highly-noted record setter. In track he ran the 400-meter hurdles, while setting the 110-meter record. In Cross Country down state All State Championships, he took 8th place in the 5k 3-mile run, finishing with a time of 14:36.

Patrick graduated from East Aurora High in 1983 and the University of Iowa came calling with a full 4-year scholarship program for Patrick, where he became Pat McGhee. Patrick was really establishing himself in the track and field world when he participated in the 1989 Olympic Trials, running the 400-meter hurdles. He was televised World-Wide and he was spectacular, but his track career was halted by a serious knee injury.

Patrick eventually graduated from UOI with a degree in business. After college, Patrick reinvented himself and nobly started his own 1 on 1 coaching of hurdles for the youth for a few years. He eventually got married and fathered 3 beautiful children: 1 son, his eldest Tavin, and 2 daughters Nyna, and Sola.

Patrick was a substitute teacher for some time, he did work for Carlson Toyota Car Sales, and spent some time working for Comcast. His current employer was Honeywell Aerospace, where he held the position as a machinist. Patrick was a fun, loving person who enjoyed life and he loved to travel. Patrick was respected and loved by so many acquaintances, colleagues, coworkers and friends.

Patrick is proceeded in death by both of his parents Sam and Elizabeth McGhee, also by one sibling Roderick Dennis McGhee. He leaves on this earth, to cherish his memory, his wonderful ex-wife Mihoko McGhee, mother of Sola McGhee, his 2 older children Tavin McGhee and Nyna McGhee, his 4 siblings, Zaneta D McGhee, Zechariah (King) McGhee, DebaQ Uphaz McGhee, Samuel D McGhee, his elder 2 half siblings Sammy McGhee and Sandra McGhee and a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and 3 last living Aunts: Jerlean (Howard) McGee, Rosie (Roscoe) Marshall, and Beatrice Smith.

Patrick McGhee was just a wonderful man who was full of life and loved life. He loved creating content of his life and love of family on his social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, and his favorite TikTok. His sudden death leaves a gaping hole in so many hearts, and he will be missed immensely forever. Rest in your power, Patrick!!!

Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Jan. 11, 730 N. Gillette Ave., Aurora, IL 60506