Stephen Nelson Kee

Stephen Nelson Kee died, unexpectedly, on Thursday, February 13, 2020, near his home in Whiteriver (East Fork), Arizona.  He was 27 years old.  Stephen was born on a Monday, June 1, 1992, in Show Low, Arizona to his parents, Wylene Marie (Burnette) and Clifford Nelson Kee.

Stephen was an academically gifted student.  He learned, at a very young age, the importance of having a good and solid education.  He graduated from Alchesay High School in Whiteriver, Arizona with honors and was awarded with the Gates Millennium Scholarship.  That helped him tremendously in obtaining his education goals.  He attended Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona where he received his Bachelors Degree in Education.  He believed that with a quality education, one's life could be greatly blessed.  Stephen taught immigrant children History for the Tempe Unified School District.  He later worked as a librarian for the Whiteriver Library in the heart of the White Mountains.  He loved his work and he enjoyed working with his students at school as well as the patrons of the Whiteriver Library.

Stephen was a quiet man and possessed the gentlest of souls.  He looked for the beautiful things in this life and found a great deal of peace in nature.  He enjoyed taking walks along the serene trails throughout the White Mountains.  Stephen was a musical genius and through self-discipline, he taught himself how to play the piano, violin, cello, saxophone and guitar.  Being the prodigy that he was, Stephen even composed his own music.  He appreciated classical music more than any other and  he felt a great deal of peace as he played.  He enjoyed sharing his musical talents with others.  His family is so proud of the man that he forever will be.

Stephen's greatest friends in this world were found within the walls of his own home.  He loved his brothers and sisters a great deal.  As siblings, they played together throughout their lives and continued to enjoy each others' company well into adulthood.  He was an excellent Chess player and spent countless hours in playing his favorite board game with his family.  His parents taught him, by their example, the importance of having a home filled with love, kindness, forgiveness and compassion.    His parents instilled, within their children, the importance of following the Lord's admonition  to, "Love one another."  He loved reading a good book and, literally, read hundreds, throughout his life.  He also enjoyed writing short stories that he shared with his family.  They looked forward to hearing him read aloud his "masterpieces."

This incredible young man will be missed by many but, none will miss him more than those who called him:  "son"; "brother"; "nephew"; "uncle"; "grandson"; "cousin"; and "friend".  He is survived by his parents, Clifford and Wylene Kee of East Fork; 4 brothers:  Wyatt Kee, Jeff Kee, Wayne Kee, Clifford Kee, Jr., all of East Fork; 2 sisters:  Crystal Kee, Tamra Kee, both of East Fork; 1 grandfather, Vino Burnette, Sr.; 2 grandmothers:  Jenny Burnette, MaryLou Tenijieth; 2 nephews:  Tyler Altaha, Brantley Kee and is also survived by an uncle, Herbert Moody.

A one-day wake will begin 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at the home of his uncle, Herbert Moody, 5506 Dove Street in East Fork, Arizona. The funeral service will begin, 12 Noon, Thursday, February 27, 2020, at the East Fork Grace of God Church, 4118 East Fork Road in East Fork, Arizona.  The concluding service will immediately follow at the Canyon Day Cemetery in Canyon Day.

Stephen's family is thankful for the kind expressions of sympathy they have received from others and are especially grateful for the prayers up on their behalf.