Markham
Mr. Glenn E. Markham, age 88, of Rockford went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 20, 2009.
Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Luella “Lu” (Brown) Markham; children, Darayl and Terry Markham of Rockford, Mrs. Sandra Ratajczak of Rockford, Janet and Larry Goemaat of Knoxville, Tenn.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Jay C. Markham, on April 9, 2001; his grandson, James Matthew Markham, on August 9, 1997; and his son-in-law, Jerry Ratajczak, on July 29, 2005.
Glenn was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, having served in WWII, wounded in action twice, and was awarded the Purple Heart and Oak Leaf Cluster. His wounds occurred during the Battle of the Bulge. He was also a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
He served Oakfield Township as a trustee on the Board of Supervisors in the ’50s.
Glenn and his wife developed Poplar Point Plat in 1945, using what tools they had at the time. He also developed the west side of Angel Lake.
Besides being a farmer all his working life, he owned two businesses: The Beer Vault in Grand Rapids and part owner in Long’s Farm Machinery. Following an accident in which he was severely injured, Glenn worked for the Board of Education in Grand Rapids as a maintenance engineer.
Glenn and his wife have been members of Voyagers Country Club in Tucson, Ariz., where their winter home was, and were also members of the Apple Blossom Good Sam’s Club, Chapter 51, for many years.
The service for Glenn was Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Dr. Michael Conklin officiating. Military honors were under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard with interment in White Swan Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Friends of Michigan Veterans Home Inc., PO Box 150251, Grand Rapids, MI 49515.
Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.
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