Herbert (Herb) Louis McKee, Sr., 74, of Smith Mills, Kentucky, passed away this weekend in his home in Henderson.

He was survived by his loving family: wife, Kass McKee; son, Herbert (Herbie) Louis McKee, Jr., and daughter-in-law Erin McKee; grandchildren, Ava Howell, Walker Howell, Ike McKee, and Quinn McKee; sister, Debbie McAtee DeSpain;  niece and nephew, Ali DeSpain and Patrick DeSpain.

He was predeceased by his cherished daughter, Katherine McKee.

Herb was born May 21 ^st , 1947, to Frances Lorene "Renie" McAtee and Howard Dewell McKee.  He spent his younger years as a scrappy, charming young man who farmed after school for his stepfather, Pat McAtee.  He also split his summers between Kentucky and San Bernardino, California, where his father lived.  His principal at Smith Mills Elementary School saw Herb's potential early on and recommended he skip the 3 ^rd grade.  Herb would often finish his work well before his classmates, and the principal would allow him to sneak off to the gym during class and helped him learn the piano.  Herb quickly learned to play multiple instruments by ear.  After graduating from Henderson County High School in 1964, he went on to attend the Henderson Community College.  He joked that he took every class they offered before the dean told him it was time to move to the next level.  Herb then attended the University of Kentucky and lived with his cousin Bobby Carter.  He received a BA in Business and Masters in Banking.  Herb met some amazing folks in Lexington who picked up on his musical talent and asked him to join their band as keyboard player.  His talent for piano and singing was a true joy throughout his life.  His band the Road Runners played all over the tristate area.  At their peak, the band even got to open for the Beach Boys at Robert Stadium.

Herb's career took off with his first big position at the Sebree Deposit Bank and later Vice Chairman of the Board and Director of First National Bank in Henderson.  He next took a consulting job with a prospective retirement community in Hilton Head, South Carolina.  He quickly became CEO, developing the most sophisticated retirement community in the country at that time.  After finishing the project, Herb returned home, bought a farm, and started a software/consulting company called Financial Protection Services.  He loved working the land and would often wear his favorite overalls after retiring.

He always cherished his community and valued passing on the lessons he'd learned about leadership and family.  He was the chairman of many organizations, including the Henderson Area Chamber of Commerce, Henderson County Economic Development Council Board, Henderson-Henderson County Planning Commission, Kentucky Small Business Advocacy Board, and the Henderson County Tourism Board.  He was also a founding member of the Downtown Henderson Project, the Volunteer and Information Center, and his favorite board, the Henderson Leadership Initiative (HLI).  HLI began as a concept he brought to his friend Joe Hopper to ensure the next generation of leaders would be prepared when their generation handed over the torch.  His legacy will carry on through the lessons he brought to the many fellows.  He will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues across the state and most of all by his devoted family who he cared deeply about.

There will be a private family celebration of his life at a later date.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers or food, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to the Henderson Boys & Girls Club, P.O. Box 662, Henderson, Kentucky 42419-0662.  Herb was passionate about The Boys & Girls Club as it provided transportation for our community's children after school to a safe space for them to get help with homework and programming about healthy lifestyles, good character, and citizenship.  Any contribution is deeply appreciated.

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com .