Funeral service for Kilkeel murder victim Robert 'Bobbie' McKee will take place this week

Mr McKee was killed at his Newcastle Road home on March 21 and his son has since been charged with murder.

Mr McKee’s wife Yvonne is reported to have suffered serious head injuries during the same incident.

In a statement at the time, the PSNI said: “Mr McKee, who was 69-years-old, was sadly pronounced dead after his body was located in a property in the Newcastle Road area on 21st March when officers attended, following a report of a concern for safety for a couple.”

Mr McKee was a brother of former MLA Harold McKee, who described Bobbie as a “kind-hearted brother” who was inseparable from his wife.

Bobbie was an Orangeman, an active member of Mourne Presbyterian Church, and had been a leader in the Boys’ Brigade.

Colin William James McKee, whose address was given as Canal Street in Newry, appeared at Newry Magistrates' Court on March 25.

He was also charged with the attempted murder of Yvonne McKee.

No bail application was made and he was remanded into custody to appear back in court on April 17.

A notice on the Funeral Times website describes Bobbie McKee as a “devoted and much loved husband of Yvonne. Much loved father of Richard, devoted father-in-law of Leah and loving grandfather to Eli and Zach.

“Faithful and much-loved son of Amelia and the late Jack, loving brother of Isobel, Sylvia, Harold and Janice. Dear brother in law and uncle.”

The funeral service will take place tomorrow at 2pm in Mourne Presbyterian Church, Kilkeel.

The notice adds: “Family flowers only please, donations in lieu of flowers if desired for The Livingstonia Partnership (cheques made payable to Mourne Presbyterian Church) or Mourne Family Surgery, c/o Adam Annett & Son Funeral Directors, 66 Greencastle Road, Kilkeel, BT34 4JJ.

“Will be deeply missed by all his family and friends. Safe in the arms of Jesus.”