Lee Clinton Markwell's Obituary
Lee Clinton Markwell, age 93, of Casey, IL passed away at 10:04 a.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at Casey Health Care Center, Casey, IL. He was born July 12, 1926 in Martinsville, IL, the son of Cleone H. Markwell and Bessie Rogene Mitchell Markwell. On October 23, 1948 he married Dola Joyce Whitworth in Charleston, IL. She passed away on November 23, 2005. Surviving are his children, Marca Joyce Shore and husband Dwight of Marshall, IL and son, Jay Mitchell Markwell and fiancé Sandy Briggs of Casey, IL; sister, Lois Edwards of Scottsdale, AZ; sister in law, Eleanor Markwell of Casey, IL; grandchildren, Douglas Shore and wife Heather of Carmel, IN; Heather Lee Shore Shaffner and husband Lance of Marshall, IL; Megan Markwell Scheff and husband Anthony of Katy, TX; Mitchell Lee Markwell of Evansville, IN; Macy Markwell of Nacogdoches, TX and Brittany Nicholas and husband Ben of Fishers, IN; great grandchildren, Joshua, Hannah Grace, Rachel and Daniel Shore, Madison Shaffner, Maddie Lee Shaffner Grooms and husband Jordan, Spencer Shaffner and fiancé Raven Vicars, Jacob Shaffner and Thomas and Dean Scheff; great great granddaughter, Ivy Shaffner, many nephews and nieces, his Church family, many friends and his special friend of 13 years, Vera Martin of Lafayette, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleone and Rogene Markwell; wife, Dola Markwell; son, John Lee Markwell; brother, Cleone L. Markwell and granddaughter in law, Stephanie Markwell. Lee was a 1944 graduate of Casey High School where he excelled in basketball. He attended the University of Illinois on a basketball scholarship; he transferred to Eastern Illinois University before joining the Merchant Marines during WWII. While attending Eastern Illinois University he met the love of his life Dola while learning to play Bridge. Lee graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1950. He joined his father and brother serving the communities of Casey and Westfield in Markwell and Sons Funeral Home and Markwell Chapel for a funeral service career that spanned over 50 years. He was a proud lifelong member of Illinois Funeral Directors Association. Lee and his brother, Cleone, Jr. founded and operated Birchwood Nursing Home and Casey Monument Works for many years. Lee was a dedicated member of the Casey United Methodist Church, Casey VFW, Casey Lions Club, Casey Country Club, Golf Hammock Country Club in Sebring, FL; a 50 year member of Casey Masonic Lodge and was a honored member of Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame. In retirement, Lee and Dola enjoyed wintering for many years in Sebring, FL, where they made many new and current lifelong friends. They enjoyed playing golf, bridge, dancing and entertaining family and friends. In his later years Lee enjoyed an occasional "Happy Hour" on Jay"™s front porch. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Markwell Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Fairchild officiating. Burial will follow in the Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, IL with graveside military rites by Casey VFW and Martinsville American Legion. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday evening August 23, 2019 at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL. Memorials may be made to the Casey United Methodist Church, PO Box 365, Casey, IL 62420 or Casey VFW, PO Box 276, Casey, IL 62420. To view the full obituary, send condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation Markwell Funeral Home Friday, August 23, 2019 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Email Details 200 N. Central Ave.Casey, Illinois 62420 Directions Funeral Service Markwell Funeral Home Saturday, August 24, 2019 10:00 AM Email Details 200 N. Central Ave.Casey, Illinois 62420 Directions
What’s your fondest memory of Lee?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lee?
Share a story where Lee's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lee you’ll never forget.
How did Lee make you smile?