Bruce Markle

Bruce M. Markle, devoted husband, father and grandfather, died Wednesday, December 10, 2014 of cancer at the age of 81. Bruce was born in Chanute, KS on June 3, 1933, the son of Bruce and Willie Ruth Markle. He had an older sister, Beverly and an identical twin brother, Bill, with whom he was inseparable from their youth through their service together in the U.S. Navy. Bruce grew up in Chanute where he played junior high basketball, and moved with his family to Emporia, KS when he was a junior in high school. There he played American Legion baseball and graduated from Emporia High School. He attended Emporia State College for one semester before enlisting in the Navy. He was honorably discharged four years later, in 1956 and returned to college to complete his studies. He graduated from Emporia State in 1960. He and Marilyn Harris married in 1961 and were blessed with three children: Lori, Fletcher and Amy. Those three in turn graced Bruce and Marilyn with nine grandchildren: Owen, John, Mary Beth, Sydney, Brian, Lanie, Mark, Braden and Sara. Bruce was never happier than when watching his grandchildren compete in sporting events or when he was able to accompany one of them on a hunt. As a dad, he coached little league baseball and fastpitch softball and kept time at swim meets. Bruce worked 32 years at Phillips Petroleum Company, the majority of that time in Bartlesville. He retired from the credit card division in 1992 and spent the ensuing years traveling with Marilyn and their friends to places around the country in their motor home or fifth-wheel. He and Marilyn also enjoyed several winters “snowbirding” in south Texas. Bruce leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Marilyn; their three children, Lori Canfield (Owen) of Oklahoma City, Fletcher Markle (Shay) of Granby, CO and Amy Hanna (Joe) of Auburn, AL; and his nine grandchildren. Also, his sister Beverly Holst, sister-in-law Sue Markle, nephews Todd & Jason Markle, Chris Holst & niece LeAnn Robbins and several great nieces and nephews. A and visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2014 at Walker Brown Funeral Home, 4201 E. Nowata Rd. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2014 at St. John Catholic Church, 715 S. Johnstone, Bartlesville with Father Michael Pratt officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker-Brown Funeral Home. A fan of traditional Country and Western music, Bruce asked that his funeral be a “boots and jeans” affair. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mary Martha Outreach ministry, P.O. Box 314, Bartlesville, OK 74003, or Comforting Hands Hospice, 2450 SE Washington, Blvd. Suite A, Bartlesville, OK 74006 who provided outstanding care for

Bruce Markle

June 3, 1933 - December 10, 2014