Charles E. (Chuck) Markham passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 82. A celebration of life memorial will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Harvest Hills Funeral Home, 118 2nd St, Hico, Texas, followed by military honors graveside at Duffau Cemetery.
Chuck was born in California and grew up in Dalhart, Texas, where he worked on his family farm, rode his motorcycle, drove his convertible, and reveled in his reputation as fearless. In his junior year at West Texas State University in Canyon, he met the love of his life, Mary, and they were married in July, celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2023. After graduation, he entered the US Army and served two tours in Vietnam (leading an armored infantry tank battalion during the first and an assault helicopter company in the second). As an Army officer, Chuck, Mary, and daughter, Charla, lived all over the US and in Germany. They enjoyed snow skiing in Europe and traveling to new countries on weekends and during vacations. Following active duty, he joined his father in building a ranch outside Stephenville, joined the Army Reserves, and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He continued to connect with and serve his Army brothers through his leadership in the 155th Assault Helicopter Company that meets biannually for reunions as well as connects and updates members through a regular newsletter. In his final two years, he joined clinical trials at UT Southwestern Medical Center contributing to developing treatments for veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
Although Chuck never met a stranger, his grandchildren Lee and Victoria were his favorites. Never missing the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren, Chuck and Mary attended all events from toddler YMCA soccer to college graduations. All birthdays and holidays were spent with Lee and Victoria.
Chuck enjoyed traveling with his group of friends (and sometimes Mary) on their Gold Wings. He rode in every state in the US, Canada, and Mexico. His favorite trip was from Banff to Jasper in Canada. He loved snow and water skiing, history, and watercolor painting. He was active in the community and was named 2024 Patron of the Year by the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council for his work in establishing a People’s Choice Watercolor Show and Competition. He enjoyed hosting a watercolor class for kids, painting for family and friends, participating in art shows and competitions across Texas, and supporting the work of other area artists. He also supported environmental action, testifying before the Texas Legislature on the impacts of toxic runoff and its impact on livestock living on local waterways leading to Lake Waco.
Chuck is preceded in death by his father, C.H. Markham; his mother, Clayta Paulk Markham; his stepmother, Edna Thompson Markham.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary; his daughter, Charla Markham Shaw and her husband Gene; his grandson, Lee Markham Shaw; his granddaughter, Victoria Carrol Shaw; his brother, Don Markham; his sister, Avis Lyons LeBlanc; his stepbrothers Dale Thompson and Darryl Thompson; cherished nephews, nieces, cousins, a host of friends, and their sweet furry girl, Cookie.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 234 (Stephenville) or the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council (Stephenville).
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