William James Markee

82, formerly of Franklin died Tuesday at his home in Pocasset after a brief illness. Mr. Markee was the son of Jerry Markee and his wife Rose Butler of Presque Isle, ME. In 1943 at the age of 17, he enlisted and proudly served in the US NAVY during WW II throughout the Pacific Theatre on the U.S.S Alabama and the U.S.S Bonhomme Richard as a Seaman First Class, Medic and Gunner. He was the recipient of three WWII Service Awards. Following his discharge, Mr. Markee attended Kansas State University where he earned a BS Degree in Agriculture in 1951. Upon graduation, he was a Manager at the Eastern States Farmers Cooperative before he entered the field of education. Mr. Markee was a Biology, Earth Science, and Physical Science teacher at the Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston, MA for more than 25 years during which time he earned his MS Degree from Bridgewater State College. He was an active community member in Franklin for 40 years where he enjoyed cross-country camping, traveling, and horticulture. Mr. Markee moved to Pocasset in 1995 where he was a vital member of the Lily Pond Overlook Board of Trustees for several years. Mr. Markee was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Florence Sieker Teahan of Westfield; brother Ambrose C. Marquis of Tupper Lake, NY; brother John F. Marquis of Bangor, ME. He is survived by his son, James Michael (Alix) and two grandchildren of Chester Springs, PA and sisters Alice M. Koronkiewicz of Pocasset and Elizabeth A. Champagne of Forestdale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, July 22 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 841 Shore Road in Pocasset. Interment will follow at 12:45 pm at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1558, Pocasset MA 02559 www.nickersonbournefuneral home.com