Kevin Lane McBee

Kevin Lane McBee, 59, of Cairo, passed away on March 27. He was born in Kansas City, MO, on April 9, 1964, to Larry and Laura (Humfeld) McBee. He married Kathleen (Ball) on December 7, 2017.

Kevin was the type of person that people could not help but love. He was a person of conviction instilled in him by his parents. He never shied away from an argument and enjoyed debating those who could stand up for their convictions. He was deeply loyal to his family, especially his “girls” (Kathleen and McKenzie), ensuring they had what they needed and wanted. He loved deeply and defended deeply.

A hard worker, Kevin developed a passion for cars from a young age, growing up in a family engrossed in the business. His grandfather (Lawrence Humfeld) owned a Chrysler and Dodge dealership in Columbia during the 50s and 60s, and his mother, Laura, ran the office for her father. His father, Larry, learned to customize and restore antique and classic cars from his brother, Leo while living and working in southern California. Kevin began his early career as a mechanic, first working for Junior Tremaine while in high school for free so he could learn the ropes.  After graduation, Kevin attended Linn Technical College. He worked for Privitt Auto for years before eventually working for his parents when they opened McBee C.A.R.S. in Columbia in the late 80s.

After his parents retired, Kevin continued to work on cars at his farm in Fayette until he started his business, Pervious Paving Contractors. Kevin has completed jobs worldwide, including laying Filter Pave® in the Rocky Mountains National Park.

Kevin enjoyed time on his farm raising cattle and supporting his wife’s horse training endeavors. Tractors, equipment, cars, motorcycles, and boats were his indulgences, ensuring his driveway, garage, and barns were filled with John Deere, Chevrolet, and Harley Davidson. Of course, comfort was always a priority, so air-conditioned cabs were required in his tractors, skid loaders, and gators. One of his most prized possessions was the first mid-engine Corvette built in 2020. His second most prized possession was the 2023 Corvette Z06. Kevin loved cars, especially fast cars, and owned many during his lifetime.

Kevin loved the water, owning various boats, and enjoying watersports with his family. He most enjoyed his time at his beloved lake house. He often commented that he didn’t mind doing dishes at his lake house. Everything slowed down for him at the lake house. He and Kathleen often hosted friends and family, sharing their jet skis, boats, and toys for play. He even enjoyed “going fishing” with Kathleen even though he rarely brought a fishing rod with him on this trip; it was mostly so he could spend time with Kathleen and watch her catch the big ones.

Kevin was proud of his daughter McKenzie. As a girl dad, Kevin had the most unique approach. As he built his business, Kevin was a single father, and McKenzie came along for most of his work. She rode in tractors during hay season, skid loaders, and snowplow trucks. She was driving Gators when she was just a little girl. Kevin raised her to work hard, play hard, and love hard. He was immensely proud of McKenzie and looked forward to watching her blossom as an adult.

Kevin was dedicated to his wife, Kathleen. He supported her love and passion for horses and encouraged Kathleen to guide McKenzie through a rodeo career. He was in awe of Kathleen’s knowledge and experience training horses and helped support her in whatever way he could. However, despite Kathleen’s repeated efforts to get Kevin on a horse, he never did – he preferred horsepower with four wheels, not four legs.

Kevin supported his son, Zach, introducing Zach to his love of motorcycles and cars. He and Zach enjoyed attending NASCAR and sprint car races, taking a trip to Talladega for many years with his brother-in-law Greg.  Kevin was devastated when Zach passed away in 2023.

Kevin lived his life to the fullest, enjoying his toys, family, and friends. He was loyal, honest, straightforward, intelligent, funny, protective, loving, dedicated, hard-working, and a joker. He loved April Fool’s Day – it was like Christmas morning. His family and friends will deeply miss him. There will never be another like Kevin, a.k.a. Little Red, Calvin, Baby Kev, Daddy, Husband, Son, Uncle, Brother.

            Kevin is survived by his wife Kathleen (Ball), his daughter McKenzie McBee (Isaac), and stepchildren Chelsea Dill (Ryan), Jerrid Ball (Margaret), and Stephanie Ball (Allen). He is also survived by a brother, Larry E. McBee (Linda) of Camdenton, and a sister, Kerri McBee-Black (Greg) of Harrisburg, by 2 grandchildren and 5 step-grandchildren. He leaves behind 4 nephews (Patrick Sutherland, Larry E. McBee, Jr., Jacob McBee, and Tucker Black) and 1 niece (Amanda Hargis). Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Larry L. McBee, his sister, Laurie McBee, and his son, Zachary McBee.

            The family will hold private family services and request that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Columbia or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network instead of flowers. 

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