Thomas “Bruce” McKee passed away Thursday, May 21st, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Bruce was born April 12th, 1955, in Abilene, Kansas, the fourth oldest child of eight children, and second son of Elizabeth “Liz” and Richard “Kay” McKee. Kay and Liz had a beautiful family of four boys and four girls. Bruce’s surviving siblings include: Chris (Melissa), of Abilene, KS, Ann Regnier (Bob) of Prairie Village, KS, Martha Holtzen of Bonner Springs, KS, Matt (Sandy) of Halstead, KS, Julie Hanson (George), of Stillwell, KS, Lisa Campbell (Jim) of Overland Park, KS, and John of Abilene, KS.
Bruce married Nancy Brockmeier in Topeka, Kansas in 1981, later they did divorce, but together they had four children who survive him in his death: Andrew of Durango, Colorado; Alex and Noah both of Lawrence, Kansas; and daughter Maria, of Keaau, Hawaii. Bruce also has a cherished grandchild, Kohana, also of Lawrence, Kansas. He is survived by nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Ever the independent spirit, Bruce championed the McKee family pool business his father established and started his own branch of, which flourished in Lawrence, KS. From the family ties and handed down teachings of his grandfather and father, Bruce created McKee Pool & Landscape and devoted his life’s talent, time, and tools to make the business thrive from 1984 to 2007. During that time, he and his wife, Nancy employed many local people to build and service pools that are still enjoyed in the community today.
Bruce was a lover of art, music, and all things contradictory. Spontaneity was either a favorite or least liked personality characteristic of his, depending on how you knew and loved him. Regardless of how you felt about him, he would have gladly welcomed you to a game of bocce ball and handed you a bottle of Modelo.
A burial service will take place in the Green Burial section of Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 28th. The Green Burial section at Oak Hill Cemetery is known to be less manicured than a traditional cemetery so it is encouraged that attendees wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in more casual attire. Additionally, there will be no seating or tent provided in this area of the cemetery so please come prepared with a chair and or proper attire/umbrella in case of precipitation.
A celebration of Bruce’s life will take place in Abilene, Kansas, 2108 W. 1st St. at the home of his brother, John McKee on Saturday May 30th at 2:00pm.
He lived a life full of fun & adventure. He would love nothing else more than to know that you would choose to live your life the same way.
In our life, we loved him more.
