John Thomas Markey died on August 7, 2012 at Grandview Heights in Marshalltown after a lengthy illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 10, 2012, at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Marshalltown. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service, Thursday, August 9, 2012, at Pursel Davis Funeral and Cremation Care, in Marshalltown. Interment, with full military honors, will be at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. Memorial donations to honor John’s life may be sent to St. Mary Catholic Church.

John was born on October 25, 1926 in St. Thomas Hospital, Marshalltown, son of Thomas Francis Markey and Frances M. (Kunkel) Markey. John’s mother died in childbirth when he was 8 years old, and he was cared for by his father for several years. John often commented that he was proud of his Irish/German heritage.
John graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Marshalltown in 1944. Immediately following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Corps and served during WWII, Korea and Viet Nam eras. A career serviceman, John served several tours of duty overseas to include London, Newfoundland, and Turkey. John retired from the active military in 1966. After returning to Marshalltown in 1967, he worked for Lennox as a managerial professional in quality assurance. He retired from Lennox in 1989. On August 1,
1952, John was married to Marilyn Benn. Marilyn was also in the Air Force. They were the parents of three sons. Marilyn died in 1982. On June 23, 1986 John married Jane Merryman Miller at St. Mary Church, Marshalltown. Their 26 years together were filled with traveling around the country and visiting Air Force bases where John had been stationed. They also attended numerous golf tournaments and enjoyed golfing. He was an avid bowler and had many trophies. John loved his state and his country and was very proud to have served in the military. He loved to tell war stories. John loved his Hawkeyes! John was a lifetime member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He belonged to the Catholic Order of Foresters and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He also belonged to the American Legion, the Air Force Sergeants’ Association and the Stroke Support Group at MMSC.

John will be missed by his wife, Jane, three sons; Michael (Vicky) Markey of Waterloo, IA, Steven (Luanne) Markey of Indianola, IA, Thomas (Kathy) Markey Colo, Ia, a step daughter, Susan Folkerts of West DesMoines, IA, ten grandchildren; Melissa (John) Owens, Tim Markey, Megan (Mike) Severidt, Emily (Eric) Manuel, Christopher Burns, Brett Markey, Justin (Jennifer) Markey, Andrea Markey, Stephanie Markey, Lucas Markey, four step grandchildren; Kyle, Corey, Dan and Selena Folkerts seven great grandchildren; Brandon Jensen, Wil Owens, Austin and Anna Markey, Brennan and Mason Severidt, Josie Markey, a sister, Shirley Smith, two sisters-in-laws Mary Lois Merrryman and Joan Burns, and his dog Dude. John was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Marilyn and an infant brother.

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