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It is with great regret and
sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Don McBee, on
August 29, 2024, in Grand Junction, CO, as a result of Parkinson’s disease.
Don is survived by his
wife, Janis; their daughter, Stephanie Fowler and her husband Andrew; their
daughter, Deanna McBee Galanis; their grandchildren, Hannah Murphy Fowler and
her husband Mac Murphy Fowler, Matthew Fowler, Joshua Fowler, Mason Galanis, and
Paige Galanis; and great grandchild, Naya Murphy Fowler. He was
predeceased by his son, Derek.
A private memorial service
will be held at First Presbyterian Church,
Grand Junction, CO, followed by interment in the memorial wall at the church.
Condolences may be sent to
Janis at 773 25 ¾ Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505-9507.
In lieu of flowers, the
family requests that donations in Don’s memory be sent to Gift Operations, West
Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996 –
make checks payable to West Point Association of Graduates and designate The
Long Gray Line Fund in the check’s memo section.
Well done, Don. Be
thou at peace.
Remembrances:
CCClass Memorial
Pages/F-1 Don McBee.pdf
Obituaries:
Donald Lawrence McBee
Sept 16, 1936- Aug 29, 2024
 Surrounded by his loving family,
Don, age 87, died on Aug 29, 2024 in the quiet repose of his home on the farm he
loved. He will be missed by many.
He was a person known for his dry
wit, intelligence, love of the land, truth, integrity, and devotion to his
family. Born in Holyoke, CO, raised in Rifle, CO, Don graduated from Rifle High
School (1954) and later was appointed to the United States Military Academy
(West Point) and later graduated Ranger School. In 1962, he married his high
school sweetheart, Janis. He served 20 years in the US Army as an Armor/Infantry
officer with two tours in Vietnam. He was the recipient of 2 Bronze Stars
retiring at the rank of Lt Colonel in 1981. During his last years of service
while stationed at Fort Monmouth, NJ, he attended law school at Seton Hall
University, NJ.
Don returned to
Colorado with his
family. He practiced law in GJ for 38
Years and was often referred to as “one of those honest sort of lawyers.” He
felt strongly about helping the less privileged and sought to treat everyone
with respect. He enjoyed arguing points of law along with the critical thinking
required to best represent his clients.
Don is survived by Janis, his wife
of 62 years, their daughter Stephanie Fowler (spouse Andy), their daughter
Deanna McBee Galanis; their grandchildren Hannah Murphy Fowler (spouse Mac
Murphy Fowler), Mathew Fowler, Joshua Fowler (fiancé Amy Burkel), Mason Galanis,
Paige Galanis and their great granddaughter Naya Murphy Fowler; his sisters
Patricia Backes and Coleen (Tawni) McBee along with many nieces and nephews. Don
is preceded in death by his son Derek and brother Harold.
A private memorial service will be
held on October 18, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Hope West
Hospice Center, 3090 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81503 or The Long Grey Line Fund sent to Gift Operations, WPAOG, 698
Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996. Make checks payable to West Point Assoc. of
Graduates and designate The Long Gray Line Fund in the memo section.
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