Born: June 8, 1925

Died: Feb. 13, 2013

Franklin E. McKaye

Franklin E. McKaye, 87, of Cassopolis, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 in Cass County Medical Care Facility, Cassopolis.

He was born June 8, 1925 in South Bend, Ind. to Andrew and Marjorie (Rettic) McKaye. He married Mildred “Millie” Short on July 10, 1949 in Cassopolis. She preceded him in death on Dec.6, 2002. He was also preceded by his parents and one sister, Mary Ferguson. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II.

Frank had worked for American Coach Company in Cassopolis and was a founder and vice president of Park Estate Mobile Homes in Dowagiac. Frank loved to travel, having been almost everywhere in the world.  He was passionate about conservation and environmental issues. He was instrumental in helping to preserve Russ Forest / Newton’s Woods. Frank gave wildlife presentations and slide shows to local organizations on his many trips abroad. He was very interested in politics and world affairs. He lifted weights throughout his life well into his eighties. Frank and Millie were beautiful dancers.

Frank will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by one daughter, Kathy (McKaye) Atkins of Cassopolis; one grandson, Jim (Amy) Atkins of Niles; two great grandsons, Ryan Atkins and Shawn Atkins; two brothers, Andy (Jean) McKaye of Redway, Calif. and Tom “Bill” Stapleton of Cassopolis; and one sister-in-law, Jackie Proffitt of Dowagiac; and several nieces and a nephew.

Family and friends will gather from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis.  Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, in Penn Friends Community Church, 19107 Quaker St., Cassopolis, with Pastors Bill Bruneau and Steve Witzki officiating.

Mr. McKaye’s remains will be laid to rest at a later date beside his late wife in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Cassopolis, with military honors.

The family prefers memorial contributions to Cass County Parks and Recreation, 120 N. Broadway St., Suite 209, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Cass County Animal Control, 323 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031; or, Cass County Medical Care Facility, 23770 Hospital St., Cassopolis, MI 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Online condolences may be posted at wagnercares.com.