Roger Markle Obituary

MARKLE, Roger Sanford June 10, 1924- September 26, 2007 A beloved father, a WWII veteran, and a "Captain of Industry," Roger S. Markle, 83, of Torrance, CA passed away peacefully after his eight month battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at his daughter's home in Laurel Canyon surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Paw Paw, Michigan on June 10, 1924, son of Manley Sanford and Hazel Adeline (May) Markle, he attended local schools, becoming valedictorian of his high school class. During WWII he was stationed in Norwich, England under the 44th Division of the 67th Air Squadron. 1st Lt. Roger Markle commanded a crew of nine members, flying the B-24 bomber in 18 missions, dropping bombs over Dresden, Berlin and other military complex targets. Due to Roger's impeccable instincts and ability as a pilot, his B-24 narrowly escaped being shot down on several occasions, bringing his crew to safety. On the G.I. Bill, Roger attended the University of Michigan's School of Engineering. He joined the SAE fraternity, led its glee club and was a member of the University's marching band. After graduation he headed West to briefly pursue acting in Los Angeles until founding the Mark-Costello Co. in 1956 with his partner Tom Costello. The same year he married Barbara Charis Wakefield of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the mother of his four children. Never retiring, Roger worked 51 years to grow the company successfully as an industry leader in the field of medical waste sterilization and industrial equipment sales. In 1965 Roger moved his family to the suburban haven of Palos Verdes and joined the Jack Kramer Tennis Club and Rolling Hills United Methodist Church where he was a member and frequent liturgist. Roger's love for the game of tennis was surpassed only by the love for his family. He is survived by his four children, Mitchell Gregory, Tarri Suzanne, Heidi Jo and David Christopher, and his granddaughter Marlena Rayne Lerner as well as his 104 year-old aunt, Clare (Markle) Hunter in Kalamazoo, MI. Roger is pre-deceased by his beloved sister, Janice Elaine (Markle) Van Vleck. Services to be held on Monday, October 1, 2007 at the Rolling Hills Methodist Church in Palos Verdes, California. Green Hills Mortuary (310)831-0311

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Sep. 30, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger Markle

8 Entries

HaroldLansing Wakefield, "BROTHER IN LAW"

September 26, 2024

"THANK YOU,"ROGER, FOR ALLOWING ME TO LIVE WITH YOU,AND YOUR WONDERFULFAMILY, FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR!"THAT WAS "WAY BACK," IN JULY OF 1963. "YOU WERE CERTAINLY "GREAT!""

Sherrill Hutchison-Sanders

October 15, 2007

Tarri, Heidi, Mitch & David - I was so saddened to here about your dad today. I wish I had known sooner, so that I could pay respects. He was such a part of my younger days. I can still hear him telling us it was time to go to bed and be quiet!!! You are all in mine and my family's thoughts and prayers and I do think of you often.

Sherrill Hutchison-Sanders

Jim Gonzalez

October 8, 2007

I was lucky enough to meet Roger this year through Heidi Jo and even luckier to hear his stories as a pilot in WWII. He was a brave soldier. He showed me photographs and taught me a lot about that time in the few hours we got to sit down and speak. He was kind man and a fun guy. He will be missed.

Lynn Walti Phipps

October 4, 2007

Heidi, Mitch, Tarri & David.
So terribly sad to hear of your Dad's passing. He was such a kind and gentle man and like others have said part of the greatest generation! Love to you all!

Jack Esensten

October 3, 2007

Roger was a kind person and we will miss him. He always kept his spirits up, even when things weren't going well for him.

Denny

October 1, 2007

A True American Hero Rest in Peace Sir.

Harold 'Lance' Wakefield

October 1, 2007

This man was and will always be, in my mind and heart, a deep credit to the entire United States of America, for placing his being on the line for every American. Roger will never be gone from my heart, nor from his precious children's heart, or genetic codes. He will continue his beloved existence through his children's love for each other, as well as the internal strengths he imparted to them.

I will never forget you Roger on this plane, for the acts of kindness you have shown me, your caring brother-in-law. Till we meet again in God's Kingdom,

All My Love is with you,
Lance

Bob Haffey

September 30, 2007

As long-time friends and neighbors on the Peninsula, we have many fond memories of Roger and the Markle clan.

We also pay tribute to Roger and his, the greatest generation, for the sacrifices they made during WWII fighting for our freedom.

Our heart felt sympathy on the loss of your dad.

Sincerely,

The Haffey Family,

Dorothy, Susan, Sandy, John, Christie and Bob

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