Freddie William Markham

Freddie W. Markham, 84, passed away Tuesday, February 6th at his home in Chanute, KS. Freddie was born on May 31, 1939, in Chanute to Freddie and Ella (Billbe) Markham.
Freddie grew up on a farm near Petrolia, KS. He was involved in FFA & 4-H. He graduated from Chanute High School in 1957 and from Chanute Junior College in 1959. He joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 1961.
After college, Freddie went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad. He served as a fireman and then as a switchman, retiring after more than 25 years.
Freddie was also known by many, through the years, as a landlord, owning and managing his rental business for over 50 years. He had a passion for preserving historical buildings such as the Roosevelt School building which he purchased from a tax sale.
In 1961, Freddie married Connie Dutro. Together they had four children. They later divorced. In 2012, he married Barbara Jones and was blessed with four step-daughters.
Freddie loved farming, raising cattle, traveling & spending time with his family.
Freddie was preceded in death by his parents Freddie & Ella, his daughter Sherry Glascow, brother Richard Markham, sister in-law Pat Markham, and his wife Barbara.
Freddie is survived by his sons, Jimmy Markham, (Sherry Johnson), William Markham (Rebecca Piatt Markham) and daughter Susan Staggs, all of Chanute. Stepdaughters Carla McManis (Gayland) of Lamar, MO, Carlene Hinkle (Ben) of Altamont, KS, Charlene Essig of Mound Valley, KS, and Charlotte Suddock (Mark) of Mound Valley, KS, 8 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 from 9:30-11:00 at Countryside Funeral Home in Chanute, KS with services to immediately follow. Burial will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute. Memorials have been suggested to the Cherry Street Youth Center and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N. Highland, Chanute, Kansas 66720.