Elmer "Cush/ Little Blue" McGee, Sr.

Elmer Sylvester McGee entered the world on August 25, 1934 as the fourth child of Jim McGee and Mary Scroggins McGee in Richardsville, Oklahoma in the county of McIntosh. Elmer had 10 siblings in total; 3 of whom did not grow with the family. He loved his family and adored his brothers and sisters; the eight of them had a special bond. His sisters often recall a very fond memory; one day as children, he, and his sisters Marzella and Barbara, decided to build an apartment in the side of a hill near their home; the apartment had rooms for each of them; and only by the grace and mercy of God – He protects babies; especially after they encounter a snake and before the hill collapsed. Elmer had a special closeness with his brother Billy Joe, who would often say to Elmer “sing for me baby, I’ll do the work.”

Elmer’s education began at Warrier Grade School, then Rentiesville High School before the family relocated to Denver, Colorado. He completed school in Denver, graduating from Manuel High School. Shortly after, Elmer enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. In addition to his normal duties, Elmer served as his company’ Guidon Bearer; an honored position leading his unit to rally points. He was also a boxer during his time in the service. He was honorably discharged after completing 4 years of active duty, and serving as a reservist, thereby completing his 8‐year commitment to serve, in April 1963.

Elmer developed a relationship with Florence Marie Mosley, and they shared 3 children together; Karen D., Keith and Ramon. This relationship also blessed Elmer with 3 bonus children; Vicky L., Sherryl G., and Greg L.

Elmer later met and married Josphine (Josie) Castillo on October 18, 1968, and to their union, 2 children joined his legacy; Michelle Renee McGee and Elmer Jr. (affectionately known as Tico). Elmer’s family continued to grow and he was the proud grandfather of 24 grandchildren and 25 great‐grandchildren.

After completing service to his country, Elmer used his skills in various ways; he worked as a train porter/cook with Burlington Northern Railroad; and for a time worked with his brother Billy at Butternut Bread company. Using his hands, Elmer worked for Seader Custom Metal Works, making various types of metal items. He was also an entrepreneur, establishing J&M Barbeque for a short period. Elmer was a crooner too, singing around the city; he even made a record. Elmer then became employed with Pierce Volkswagen, where he and his wife

Josie, worked together as detailers of the company’s vehicles. He then became employed by the City of Aurora; as a supervisor. He was responsible for all street operations, repairs; snow plowing, street sweeping and sometimes this included their 24‐hour operations along with their parks and recreation, until he retired in 1999. As he desired to keep busy, he became employed with RTD as an Undercover Quality Assurance Rider. He traveled all around Colorado, observing everything about the drivers; their attitude, work habits, driving styles, keeping timely schedules and whatever else they did. He rode all types of transit; local, express, light rail or wherever there was a route. And he was good at it, he had a strong work ethic, and he was committed to his assignment reporting issues he found. He was employed at the time of his death – YES – he was still actively employed at 91.

Elmer became a mason and on August 12,1964 he achieved Master Mason, and he faithfully served over 50 years. Elmer was a dedicated Brother and was a proud member of Centennial Lodge No. 4; a group of dedicated individuals bound by principles of brotherhood, charity, and moral uprightness. Each Brother represents a commitment to the tenets of Freemasonry and a pledge to support fellow members in their spiritual and personal growth. He became a Worshipful Master between 1972‐1973 and was a mentor to many.

As a Worshipful Master, he oversaw all lodge operations, proceedings, and community activism. With the help of the officers and other positions, they maintained and kept the lodge running smoothly and in good standing with the community and Grand Lodge. He is a lifetime member and an Honorary Past Grand Master.

As was shared before, the Lord continually watched over Elmer. Elmer acknowledged his belief in God and was a faithful member of Fresh Anointing Christian Church, under the watchful care of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and leadership of Pastor Jimmy McGee. He was again called by the Lord to serve as a Deacon, and on April 22, 2018, he was ordained.

Romans 8:38‐39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 27:4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jim McGee, Isaiah Gardner and Mary Scroggins McGee Gardner; brothers, Walter U. McGee, John E. McGee, Billy Joe McGee and Redboy McGee; sisters, Jimmie Lovon McGee and Emma Ruth Gardner; grandsons Terrence McGee and Dominiqué J. McGee; 5 bonus grandchildren; son‐in‐love, Joseph Edwards and a cherished friend Lorie Alexander.

Left to cherish his memory; Josephine McGee; children, Karen Denise McGee, Keith McGee, Michelle Renee McGee, Ramon McGee and Elmer (Tico) Sylvester McGee Jr. (Francisca Pilar); bonus children Vicky Lynn McClinton, Sherryl Gene Edwards, Greg L. Collins‐Moses; 24 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; sisters, Marzella M. J. McGee, Barbara J. Jenkins, Bertha Packnett; brother, Howard I. Gardner and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.