John Lee Markwell's Obituary
John Lee Markwell, 56, of Casey, Illinois, formerly of Champaign, Illinois passed away at 5:05 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at the Casey Health Care Center, Casey, Illinois surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 28, 1952 in Terre Haute, Indiana, the son of Lee Clinton Markwell and Dola Joyce Whitworth Markwell. Survivors include his father, Lee C. Markwell of Casey, Illinois; sister, Marca Joyce Shore and husband Dwight of Marshall, Illinois; brother, Jay Mitchell Markwell and fiancé Sandy Briggs of Casey, Illinois; nephews and nieces, Douglas Shore and wife Heather of Indianapolis, Indiana; Heather Shore Shaffner and husband Lance of Marshall, Illinois; Megan Dayle Markwell of Chicago, Illinois; Mitchell Lee and Macy Rae Markwell of Casey, Illinois and Brittany Briggs of Indianapolis, Indiana; great nephews and nieces, Joshua Douglas, Hannah Grace, Rachel Leigh and Daniel Stewert Shore, Madison M., Maddie Lee, Spencer Dwight and Jacob Curtis Shaffner; uncle and aunt, Cleone "Jr." and Eleanor Markwell of Casey, Illinois; aunt, Lois Edwards of Scottsdale, Arizona; uncle Jack Schmitz of Grants Pass, Oregon and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cleone and Rogene Markwell and Marcus and Bernice Whitworth; two aunts, Avis Schmitz and Reba Babbitt and his devoted, loving and caring mother, Dola J. Markwell on November 23, 2005. John was a member of the Casey United Methodist Church. He was a 1970 graduate of Casey High School and a 1974 graduate of the University of Illinois. Upon graduation John moved to Arizona. On March 1, 1975 John was involved in a swimming accident that resulted in his quadriplegia. Upon his return to Illinois, John worked as a dispatcher for the Casey Police Department in Casey, Illinois for many years. Throughout his life John treasured his many letters, emails and visits from his dearest friends Marsha Darling, Roanna Partlow Victor, Marsha Milam and Greg Liedtke. John was very blessed to be cared for by many special people including Tammy and Gerry Smith, Lavora Green and the entire staff of Casey Health Care Center in Casey, Illinois. Even though John's athletic body became confined to his wheelchair for the greatest portion of his life, it never diminished his sense of humor, crazy wit, boyish charm and sweet smile. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at the Markwell Funeral Home, Casey, Illinois with the Rev. Dr. Penelope Barber officiating. Burial will be in the Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, Illinois. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home on Monday. Pallbearers to serve in John's honor will be Greg Liedtke, Jay Markwell, Mitchell Markwell, Dwight Shore, Doug Shore, Lance Shaffner and Marshall Partlow. Memorial donations may be made to Casey United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 365 , Casey, Illinois 62420 or Casey Health Care Center, 100 NE Fifteenth St., Casey, IL 62420. Memorial tributes may be sent to the family at www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements. SERVICES Visitation Monday, December 22, 2008 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Markwell Funeral Home 200 N Central Ave Casey, IL 62420 Service Tuesday, December 23, 2008 10:30 AM Markwell Funeral Home 200 N Central Ave Casey, IL 62420
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