Verne LeRoy Markel, 88, died February 6, 2012 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City. He was born on February 2, 1924 in Gray County, the son of Clarence David and Mary Belle (Kerr) Markel.

Mr. Markel served in the U.S. Army with the 77th Infantry Division in the Pacific Ocean during World War II and was awarded two Purple Heart medals. He married Ruth "Caroline" Betzold on March 15, 1946 in Garden City. She preceded him in death on January 14, 2011. Verne loved farming and enjoyed travel with his wife, spending winters in Arizona and cherished his dog "Gringo".

Verne is survived by two sons, Don Markel and wife Pam of Ingalls and Ken Markel and wife Becky of Weatherford, Texas; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Ruth, Verne is preceded in death by a son, Ronald and his parents.

Private family graveside service will be held at the Cimarron Cemetery with military rites by Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W. Memorials are suggested to Humane Society in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel - PO Box 1057 – Cimarron, Kansas 67835. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.