Khee Choon Rhee

Dr. Khee Choon Rhee, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 7, 2018, at home in College Station, Texas, following a prolonged illness.

Born in South Korea on June 25, 1938, Khee Choon (or “K.C.”) graduated from Seoul National University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1961, and a Master of Science degree in 1964. After immigrating to the United States, he earned a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1969, and in 1973, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States

In a long and illustrious career as a globally recognized instructor, researcher, and scientist, he taught for three decades at Texas A&M University. He was elected a Senior Fellow of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station in 1986 and served as the director of the Food Protein R&D Center at Texas A&M University from 1993-2001. In 2000, he received the International Award from the IFT (Institute of Food Technologists) and was elected a Fellow of the IFT in 2001. He retired as Professor of the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M in 2003, also retiring as Director of Research Development, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, at Texas A&M.

An avid golfer and traveler, Khee Choon is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ki Soon; son Vincent and daughter-in-law Sandy; son Raymond and daughter-in-law Amy; grandsons Austin and Ryan; and numerous close family members, friends, and former colleagues.

A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at the Aggie Field of Honor in College Station, preceded by a private viewing at the Hillier Funeral Home in College Station.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made in Khee Choon’s name to a charity or cause dear to you.