Gary Markham
Otterville |
Gary Dean Markham, 78, died at 4:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at his home under the loving care of his family and friends, and with the assistance of BJC Hospice. He was born on May 30, 1937 in Jerseyville, and was the son of Joseph M. & Maxine (Bailey) Markham.
Gary graduated from Edwardsville High School, and soon entered the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably during the Korean War. For many years he had been employed as a salesman at Wells-Schmidt in downtown Wood River, retiring in 1982.He married the former Lena Varble on Oct. 29, 1960 in Jacksonville, and together the two have shared 55 years together, and were the parents of five sons.Surviving are his wife, Lena Markham of Otterville; his five sons & daughters in law, Rick & Sylvia Markham of Bethalto, Rocky & Jodi Markham of Jerseyville, Rodney "Rod" Markham of Jerseyville, Richard Markham of Alton, and Randy Markham of Otterville; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one sister and two brothers.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Steele; and two brothers, Earl Gene Markham and one in infancy.Private family graveside services were held at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Noble Cemetery in Otterville, officiated by Rev. Steve Pace, with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military graveside rites.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Otterville Southern Baptist Church or to BJC Hospice.Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville was in charge of the arrangements.
Gary graduated from Edwardsville High School, and soon entered the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably during the Korean War. For many years he had been employed as a salesman at Wells-Schmidt in downtown Wood River, retiring in 1982.He married the former Lena Varble on Oct. 29, 1960 in Jacksonville, and together the two have shared 55 years together, and were the parents of five sons.Surviving are his wife, Lena Markham of Otterville; his five sons & daughters in law, Rick & Sylvia Markham of Bethalto, Rocky & Jodi Markham of Jerseyville, Rodney "Rod" Markham of Jerseyville, Richard Markham of Alton, and Randy Markham of Otterville; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one sister and two brothers.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Steele; and two brothers, Earl Gene Markham and one in infancy.Private family graveside services were held at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Noble Cemetery in Otterville, officiated by Rev. Steve Pace, with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military graveside rites.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Otterville Southern Baptist Church or to BJC Hospice.Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville was in charge of the arrangements.
Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home
Crawford Funeral Home
