Charles William Marker, Jr.
Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.)
Another member of the “Great Generation”, Charles W. Marker, Jr., has died at age 87, at… Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.)
Another member of the “Great Generation”, Charles W. Marker, Jr., has died at age 87, at the family home in Hopwood, Pa.
He was born to Charles W., Sr. and Alice Lieb Marker in Uniontown, Pa., on January 20, 1921.
He had two interesting careers: first, as a proud Marine and after World War II, as a dedicated policeman for 33 years, in the city of Uniontown, Pa.
Charles graduated from Uniontown Senior High School in 1938, where he was one of the top cross country runners under Coach Abe Everhart. On February 12, 1939, he traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, the closest recruiting station, to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. After Boot Camp, he was selected to be part of the Marine Detachment assigned to the soon to be commissioned cruiser, the U. S. S. St. Louis. Following a two year tour of sea duty traveling all over the globe, he was assigned to guard duty at the United States Embassy in London, England. He was given special duty as a courier and made numerous trips across the Atlantic carrying secret documents. On one occasion the convoy was attacked by a German submarine pack off the coast of Ireland. The ship sank. Survivors were rescued by another convoy ship.
On December 7, 1941, Marker was on the British MV MYRMDON returning to Great Britain, when word was wired that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor. Admiral Alan G. Kirk, Flag Commander Amphibious Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, named the young Marine as his personal aide. Marker continued to serve Admiral Kirk and on July 10, 1943, was one of a few Marines who participated in the assault and occupation of Sicily. It was Admiral Kirk who later recommended Sgt. Marker for Officer Candidate School, Quantico, Va., where he was commissioned August 30, 1944.
A new 2nd Lt. He was assigned duty with the 5th Marine Division, as a Rifle Platoon Leader, on the big Island of Hawaii. The 5th Marines had just returned from Iwo Jimo and were rebuilding for the final assault, the Japanese homeland. The morning the Marines boarded ship, word came down that the war had ended, however, the 5th proceeded to Japan to become part of the forces that occupied Japan following the war. Lt. Marker was honorably discharged and transferred to the Corps Ready Reserves.
Returning to Uniontown, in 1946, Marker was accepted at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. While waiting for appointment to the Uniontown Police Department, he worked as a photographer on the MORNING HERALD. When fighting broke out in Korea, Marker was called back to active duty in January of 1951, was promoted to Captain and served as Company Commander of H & S Co., 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in Korea.
In the year 1954, an active reserve unit of the United States Marine Corps was formed at the Connellsville Airport. Marker was named Executive Officer and devoted his experience and dedication to help make the unit a top notch outfit. Advancing to the rank of Major and later Lieutenant Colonel. His last active assignment was with the 3rd Staff Group USMCR, Pittsburgh, Pa. The 20th of January 1981, Lt. Col. Marker was honorably retired after 42 active and reserve duty years with his beloved United States Marine Corps.
As a young veteran, Marker joined the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was instrumental, with other local Marines, in the organization of the first Marine Corps League in this area. When AMVETS POST No. 103 was formed, he was one of the early members. One of his proudest memberships is that in the MUSTANGS, an organization of Marine Corps Officers who rose from the enlisted ranks. He took pride in his pioneer ancestors and great-grandfather, John Marker, one of the ‘Old Pike Wagoneers’.
In May of 1981, he ended a long career as a popular Uniontown Policeman. During those years of dedicated public service, he earned the reputation of being “Firm but Fair”.
As a member of the Third Presbyterian Church, he served as a Deacon and for a number of years, was a Scoutmaster with Troop 628. Retirement years were made enjoyable because of his interest in stamp collecting and membership in the Westmoreland Philatelic Society.
A brother, William E. Marker of New Jersey, and two sisters, Merle K. Capossesse and Geraldine Radabaugh of Uniontown, preceded him in death.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Janet G. Pratt Marker; son, Dewey Linn Marker and daughter, Laurel Beth Marker of Hopwood, son, Alan Kirk Marker of Lawrence, Pa.; and a granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth who resides in Florida.
“We do not lose the ones we love.
God takes them in His care.”
Arrangements are entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, INC., 80 Morgantown Street, Uniontown, Pa. where the family will receive friends today, February 7, 2008, from 2 until 4 and 7 until 9 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, February 8, 2008, in the Third Presbyterian Church from 10 until 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of Charles’ life at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Christopher Enoch and the Rev. William Rodahaver as co-officiants. Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa.
The family suggests donations be made to Fayette Home Care Hospice, 110 Youngstown Road, Lemont Furnace, Pa., 15456 or the Fayette County Association for the Blind, 48 Bierer Lane, Uniontown, Pa., 15401.
Memorial emails can be sent to the family at memorials@adferguson.com.
Full Military Honors will be accorded at the cemetery.