John H. Markillie

MARKILLIE, Mr. John H.
Richland, MI Took flight Friday morning April 19, 2013. John was born November 12, 1929 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, son of Archie and Oma Hood Markillie. During the Korean War, he served with the U.S. Army. He received a BS degree from Michigan State Univ and a MS degree in Chemistry from Penn State Univ. He had been a Kalamazoo area resident most of his life and was employed with the Upjohn Company for 32 years, retiring in 1990. John was a member of the Christian Church D.O.C. and Founder of the Kalamazoo Friendship Village. On December 27, 1956 he was united in marriage to Betty "Alene" Watterworth Markillie who survives. Also surviving, 5 children, Deborah Robert Larimer of Frankfort, MI, Laurie Rob Vogie of El Monte, CA, Bonnie James Hogoboom of Delton, MI, Mark Monica Markillie of Richland, MI, and Scott Kristin Markillie of Parchment; 9 grandchildren Bethany, Christa, Cassidy, Brady, Renee, Jana, Katee, Jack, and Elsie; 2 great-grandchildren Hudson and Emmy; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. John's greatest joy came from his family and he cared deeply about others. He took great pride in his roles as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle. John loves the Lord and lived his faith in Jesus Christ exhibiting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. A memorial service will be held 2 o'clock Tuesday at the Kalamazoo Christian Church, 2208 Winchell Ave. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. Private burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Life Care Center of Plainwell.