Gene Lanham Markle

PENDLETON- Gene Lanham Markle, 93, lived a very good life, strong as a horse and with a handshake that could bring tears to your eyes. He died at home on Friday, December 18, 2020 with his wife, Isabella Markle nearby. Gene was born in Anderson, Indiana on February 9, 1927 to Commadore and Helen Markle of Markleville. He married his high school sweetheart Jean Rogers in August 1949 and they raised three children in their Pendleton home. Gene and Jean were married 46 years. After Jeanie passed away in 1996, Gene married Isabella Barr in 2001.Gene valued his family. Whether it was basketball, football, gymnastics or wrestling, Gene attended most every event for his children and many for his grandchildren. Gene enjoyed sports and was a first baseman for the I.U. Hoosiers during college. Gene was also “king of the road trips”, traveling to see his family around the country or go to Florida for the winter. His hobbies included woodworking-taking pride in building things. He served in the military (World War II- Army and Korean War- Air Force), served as a member of Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge and was a 75 year member of the Shriners.Along with Isabella, Gene is survived by his three children, Jim Markle (Peg) of South Bend, Indiana, Stan Markle (Robin) of Honolulu, Hawaii and Sandy Markle Fleming (Craig) of Wimberley, Texas as well as brother, Don Markle (Sharon). Gene has six grandchildren, Jami Markle Hadley, J.D. Markle, Justin Markle, David Markle, Taylor Fleming and Lindsey Fleming Engleman. He has six (and counting) great grandchildren; nieces, Susan Markle, Lee Ann Hamilton and Liza Markle; and other loved ones, Patricia Shakoory (Nemat), Nousheen Shakoory, Nadia Martinez and Marisabella Martinez.A special thanks to Kindred Hospice staff for their care.A service will be held in memory of Gene at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Lahm Chapel, Pendleton on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 2 p.m., officiated by Pastor John Groves and including military and masonic honors. Burial will follow in Friends Cemetery, Pendleton. Friends may call upon the family prior to services from 12 to 2 p.m., Wednesday.Current state health mandates require social distancing and masks be worn.Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 225 W. State St., Pendleton, Indiana 46064.Online condolences available at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com