PDC Donald “Jerry” McKeon

May 27 – November 29, 2020

Obituary for Donald “Jerry” McKeon

Donald Jerome McKeon, known by “Jerry”, his entire life, of Birmingham, Michigan died on November 29, 2020 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He was 80 years old. He leaves behind his wife, Dianne (Dewar) of 58 years, daughter Stacie (Mac) Arnold, two grandchildren, Jordan and Alexis, and seven great-grandchildren, Avah, Caiden, Rylee, Ella, Jordyn, Nylah, and Julien. Surviving siblings include Gail Kivett of Swartz Creek, Daniel (Dalna) of Texas, Robert (Gerri) of Poway, CA, and Mark of Clovis, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Parents Donald Howard McKeon and Elaine Marie Whalen preceded him in death as well as brother-in-law Daniel Sherman Kivett and sister-in-law Susan McKeon.


Born in Flint, Michigan, Jerry resided in several states before returning to Michigan and setting up residence in Birmingham in 1975. Jerry retired from Shore/United Mortgage in 2006 as the company COO. Prior, he had a thirty-year real estate career dominated by volunteer work at local, state and national real estate organizations. He served as President of the local Real Estate Board and was appointed by Governor John Engler to the State of Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, Jerry served for eight years, three years as Chairman. In 1998, he was selected as the Realtor of the Year for the State of Michigan. Jerry was a real estate salesman, broker, manager, and company owner at different points in his career, but found the most satisfaction as a manager, helping others achieve success.


In retirement, Jerry found both indoor and outdoor cycling the mantelpiece of a fitness routine that included the unusual role for his age as a Certified Spinning Instructor, where his enthusiasm and energy motivated a room filled with riders half his age. A member of the Village Players in Birmingham for the past thirty-eight years, he served four terms as President. He leaves behind an in-depth collection of family history as well as fifteen hundred poems written over a lifetime. As the captain, he led a team of bike riders who collectively raised over one hundred thousand dollars for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

Jerry served honorably in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and was a member of the Marine Corps League, Detachment #159 as the Commandant, as well as a vice commandant at the state level. He was the editor of the Marine Corps League News and President of the Marine Corp League Foundation. He credited the Marine’s for developing the discipline and work ethic he held.

Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home 1368 N. Crooks Road, Clawson, Michigan 48017 on Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 2-7pm. A Committal Service with Military Honors from the United States Marine Corps will be on Monday, December 7, 2020 at 2pm at Greenwood Cemetery in Birmingham.

Memorials appreciated to the Birmingham Village Players 34660 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009 or the Marine Corp League Scholarship Foundation 2904 Cross Creek Drive, Cumming, GA 30040.