Robert E. Marker

Robert E. Marker, Jr., 87, of Wapakoneta, died suddenly 3:05 p.m., Mon. June 15, 2009, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima. He was born June 19, 1921, in Lima, the son of Robert & Esther (Casey) Marker, and the oldest of 17 children. His parents preceded him in death. On Aug. 23, 1947, he married Elizabeth "Betty" Holtzhauer, and she survives. Other survivors include, 4 children, Barbara (William) Wildenhaus, Ottawa, OH, Robert (Wanda) Marker, III, San Jose, CA, Fred (Pamela) Marker, Westerville, OH, Laura (Dirk Yerian) Marker, Akron, OH, 9 grandchildren, Kyle Marker, Lynn (Dustin) Verdin, Braden Marker, Nicholas Marker, Curt Marker, Jeffrey Steinwachs, Alexandria Wildenhaus & Lindsey Steinwachs, 2 great grandchildren, Ella Jensen & James "Jack" Verdin, 4 brothers, Ted Marker, George (Bonnie) Marker, Larry Marker, & Tom (Andrea) Marker, 4 sisters, Suzanne (Bill) Stout, Joan Gehr, Joyce (Dean) Smith, & Meredith (Vernon) Luedeke. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Franklin "Hank" Marker, Richard "Dick" Marker, Warren "Mike" Marker, and John Marker, and 4 sisters, Shirley Hern, Mary Ellen Marker, Marjorie Marker, and Janice Roth. Mr. Marker retired in 1985 as an electrical assembler and tester from the Westinghouse Corp., Lima, after 45 years service. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta. where he served as usher for many years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #1272, Wapakoneta, serving as past Grand Knight and District Deputy. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was the first of 8 brothers to serve in the military. During W.W. II, he served in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 6 bronze stars, and the Victory Medal. A 1939 graduate of Lima Central High School, he was a member of the YMCA, and the American Legion, Post #330, both of Wapakoneta. Active until the day of his death, Bob enjoyed roller skating, dancing, volleyball, swimming and golf. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Sat. June 20, 2009, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, Rev. Henry Albietz officiating. Burial is to follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m., Fri. at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta. Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Wapakoneta YMCA. Condolences may be expressed at www.bayliffandeley.com.

Robert E. Marker

June 19, 1921 - June 15, 2009