Vern Markee

     Vern Leroy Markee, 92, a longtime resident of Goldendale, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, Mar. 29, 2009, in The Dalles.
     He was born Jan. 17, 1917, in Portland, the third of four sons born to Glenn Campbell and Myrtle Irene (Payne) Markee. He was raised in Sheridan, Ore., and graduated from Sheridan High School, where he was a star football player. Vern met the love of his life, Florence Hazel Lux, while in high school and they were married Aug. 28, 1938, in Sheridan. They lived in Sheridan, McMinnville and Portland, where they owned and operated feed and grain, moving and storage, and trucking businesses before eventually moving to Goldendale, in 1961.
     Vern was a well known servant of the community of Goldendale, and was recognized with many appreciation awards, including the Governor's Community Beautification Award, the WT Elmgren Public Service Award, and the Key to the City of Goldendale. In 1987, the City of Goldendale dedicated Vern Markee Park in recognition of his many years of personal contribution toward community involvement.
     Vern retired from the Klickitat County PUD in 1982, but continued to beautify the community of Goldendale with his landscaping and stained glass projects in the years that followed.
     Vern was preceded in death by his loving wife, Florence; his daughter, Beverly Clulow, son-in-law, Michael Winkleman; grandson, Daniel Clulow, and great-granddaughter, Chelsea Murphy.
     Survivors include four children, daughter, Dianne Barnett, of The Dalles; daughter, Yvonne Winkleman, of Mesa, Ariz.; daughter, Dawn, and husband, Tom Moore, of The Dalles; and son, Tom and wife Karilyn Markee of Kapolei, Hawaii. He is also survived by his brother, Clayton Markee of Salem, Ore., 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granchild.
     Celebration of Life memorial services will be held at the Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Goldendale, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, with Pastor Lee Brock officiating. Private entombment will be held at Portland Memorial Mausoleum in Portland.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbus Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund, 815 North Columbus, Goldendale, WA 98620.