- Date Of Birth: June 8, 1925
- Date Of Death: February 13, 2013
- State: Michigan
Franklin E. McKaye, 87, of Cassopolis, died Wednesday, February 13, 2013 in Cass County Medical Care Facility, Cassopolis. He was born June 8, 1925 in South Bend, Indiana to Andrew and Marjorie (Rettic) McKaye. He married Mildred “Millie” Short on July 10, 1949 in Cassopolis, Michigan.
She preceded him in death on December 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. Family and friends will greatly miss Frank.
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, California and Tom “Bill” Stapleton of Cassopolis; and one sister in law, Jackie Proffitt of Dowagiac; and several nieces and a nephew.
