George E. Markley

George Edward Markley age 80 of Ottawa Kansas surrounded by family, completed his journey here on earth November 16, 2017 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Family will meet with friends and family from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Dengel & Son Mortuary Private family interment at the Munsee Indian Cemetery, Franklin County, Kansas George was born on May 30, 1937 in Lawrence, Kansas son of Jess E. & Opal A. (Lee) Markley. He attended Columbia, Minneola and Exceline Schools all of rural Douglas County and graduated the 8th grade. After the 8th grade, he attended a Diesel School in Kansas City for one year and made his residence in Ottawa, Kansas. He worked as a Packing House Foreman for Willis Nursery for 11 years. On August 30, 1957 George was united in marriage with Patricia M. (Patty) Hollon daughter of Ernest James and Betty (Caleb) Hollon at the Centropolis Baptist Church in Centropolis, Kansas. They celebrated 53 years before Patty went to the Lord on January 28, 2011. In 1962 he took a job with the Lawrence Paper Company where he worked for 22 years serving as the Union President for 12 years. In 1984 he and Patty purchased and managed the Maple Leaf Motel of Baldwin City, Kansas. They sold out in 1989 and shortly thereafter leased the Scott’s Service Station just north of Ottawa where he operated a tire and maintenance service shop and also served as the office location for M & M Guttering Business which he owned and operated until retirement. George served in the Kansas National Guard for 5 1/2 years where he attained the ranking of E5. 1957-1963. George is survived by his sons, Kevin L. Markley and wife Lori of Baldwin City, Kansas, Keith L. Markley and wife Amy of Ottawa, Kansas, Kenton L. Markley and wife Shelly of Ottawa, Kansas and Shawn D. Markley and Kimberly of Ottawa, Kansas. Two brothers, Jacob Markley and David Markley and wife Sandy and sister, Wilda Robbins. Ten grandchildren, Taran, Kile, Cole, Cody (Keith) Cassidy, McKinley (Kevin) Amberly, Adrianna (Kent) Drake, and Mya (Shawn). Three great grandchildren, Boston, Layla (Taran) and Tallon (Adrianna). George is preceded in death by his parents, Jess E. Markley & Opal A. (Lee) Markley. Grandparents, George W. & Isadora (Flory) Markley and Floyd Alva Lee Sr. & Ethel Loretta (Gregg) Lee. 1/2 brothers, Leo Boyke and Richard Markley. 1/2 sisters, Evelyn Musick and Doris Lanksbery. Brothers-in-law, Lee Robbins and John Musick. Sisters-in-law, Gloria (Smith) Markley and Louis Markley. George’s challenges started at a very young age. He always faced the challenges in front of him head on. He was known in the community as a hard-working honest man and respected by all that knew him. If there was daylight to be had George was busy doing something. He was a good husband, a teaching father and grandfather and most importantly a friend when you needed one. He loved his family. His hobbies were long listed but the ones he enjoyed most was his natural ability to garden and landscape and his woodworking skills utilized in his rustic crafts he built and are enjoyed by many. He will be missed by many but forgotten by none. Just a good ole boy and our hero. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Munsee Indian Cemetery Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on George’s Tribute wall at www.dengelmortuary.com