Johnny Marks

Johnny Marks (Merkouris), born in Oklahoma City on February 24, 1934, passed on to his heavenly reward early in the morning on Friday, July 16, 2004. A first generation American, Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, George and Sophia Merkouris, immigrants from Corinth, Greece; brother-in-law, Judge P. James Demopolos; his 'Uncle Jim' and father-in-law, Hugh Kincheloe. Survivors include his wife, Dana, who selflessly provided love, care and support to Johnny throughout their marriage but especially in the last four years of his life while he bravely fought and finally lost his battle with prostate cancer; his son Joey, wife Karin and 'grand-dog' Holly; his sisters Connie Demopolos, Liberty Marks and Catherine Marks; his niece Tonia Wright, husband Jerry, and their son Christopher and wife Amy; his nephew Jim Demopolos, Kim Stephens and Jim's son Jimmy and his wife Emily and their daughters Sophia and Rebecca. Johnny was a 1951 graduate of Central High School and leaves behind many close friends from those years; he attended the University of Oklahoma and was a lifelong Sooner football fan, going to games in Norman and following the team to Dallas on numerous occasions where those weekends at the Fairmont leave us all with happy memories. Johnny served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1957. A longtime City of OKC employee, Johnny made many friends who knew if they needed an answer concerning zoning or land use, he was the one they could count on to help. After leaving the city, Johnny had his own surveying business with longtime friend and partner, Joe Covey, and continued working whenever he could until just a few weeks ago. Golf was Johnny's sport of choice and he was a longtime accomplished 'weekender' until illness slowed his game. Even then, he enjoyed the yearly MECU scramble with Joey, Norman and Dave, and he would occasionally meet up with his old golfing buddies for lunch at Twin Hills and talk of the next time they might tee it up. The family extends its deepest gratitude to all of Johnny's physicians and especially the nurses at Deaconess Hospital, whose around the clock care in the recent days have been of immeasurable help; also to all his friends and other family whose prayers and support have eased this burden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Feed the Children, The City Rescue Mission or Free to Live. Trisagion and funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 18, at the Hahn-Cook/ Street & Draper Chapel. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 19 at Fairlawn Cemetery, N.W. 26th & Shartel. Everyone who knew Johnny loved and respected him for the life he led and for the man he was. Any man can be a father but not all men can be a Dad. Johnny was my Dad and for that I love him, I thank him and he will be deeply missed.