Dr. Carl R. McKee, 88, of Terre Haute passed away early Friday morning, May 1, 2020. He was a retired dentist having practiced in Terre Haute for 35 years and 2 years in Newfoundland, Canada, as a captain in the United States Air Force. Carl was born June 25, 1931 in Terre Haute to Carl C. McKee and Thelma Mullen McKee. He was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 60 years, Betty Jean Barr McKee, in 2017.
He was a dedicated and loving father survived by his four children and their spouses: Dr. Kristina Box (Dr. David) of Indianapolis, Dr. Kraig McKee (Jane) of Pittsburgh, PA, Kathryn Pallotta (Andrew) of Scituate, MA, and Kelly McKee (Cathy) of Terre Haute.
Carl doted on his nine grandchildren. They were the light of his later life, and they knew him as “Pita”, Elizabeth Beaulieu (Matthew), Kathryn Box (Amber), Emily Johnson (Karlek), Lauren Box (Brandon Marenna), Jon Box (Deborah), Joey Box (Brian Jarman), Samantha Lohsl (Brad), Andrew Pallotta, Jr. (Erin Gordon) and Molly McKee. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren, Luke Beaulieu, Brynn Beaulieu, Hannah Beaulieu, Liam Box and Cameron Raymond Johnson; a sister-in-law, Sandra Kay Halsey (Woody); and a brother-in-law, Jim Gawthrop. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Marie McKee; and a brother, Ronald McKee.
Carl was a graduate of Gerstmeyer High School, received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and his DDS degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry. He served as a captain in the United States Air Force from 1957-1959. He was a passionate Indiana University sports fan and authored a book entitled Indiana University Basketball Trivia that was published in 1987. Carl was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, Psi Omega dental fraternity, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Elks Club, Kiwanis, Arrow Club, Noon Investment Club, Last Man’s Club, long time member and past president of Central Christian Church, member of Union Christian Church, and a former member and President of the Western Indiana Dental Society. He also volunteered as a mentor with the Kids Hope USA program, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program), and Meals on Wheels.
Private funeral services will be conducted in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street, with Mark Grayless officiating. Private burial will be in Highland Lawn Cemetery. Although Carl enjoyed the company of many incredible friends and acquaintances who were so important in his life, including his care providers from Hands That Serve, there is no visitation. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled when opportunity permits. If friends should so desire, memorial contributions may be made to The Lighthouse Mission, 1201 South 13th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47802 or to Riley Children’s Foundation, 30 South Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204-3509. Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com.
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