John Jay Markham

John J. Markham, 90 years of age, left his Earthly home on Oct. 6, 2024. He was born May 24, 1934, in Syracuse, Kansas. He has lived in DeRidder, La since 1963. He served 32.5 years in the U.S. Army where he retired as a Command Sergeant Major. While stationed in Germany, he met Catherine O'Neil, whom he married Jan. 16, 1963. During his time in Vietnam, he was awarded 2 Bronze Star Medals, one being a Bronze Star for Valor. Following his retirement, he spent the next 20 years as Head of Security with Guardsmark at Boise Cascade. During that and thereafter, he put in many years with EMS. He was a pillar of 20 years for La. EMS education, Bureau of EMS and a longtime LANREMT member. He was also a member of the Master Gardeners club for over 20 years and spent 12 years as a member of the SWLA Beekeepers Association.

John is survived by his Wife Catherine (Katie) Markham. Daughter Terry Honea and husband Gary. Son Alan Markham and wife Linda. Granddaughter Belynda Finley and husband Shawn. Granddaughter Amber Vander. Great-Grandchildren Trayvin Manuel, Tara Vander, Coleman Finley and Lillian Finley. 

 John is preceded in Death by his parents Frank and Eva (Lucas) Markham. Son John J. Markham Jr. Grandson Gary (Mann) Honea.

Funeral services will be held Monday October 14, 2024, at Friendship Baptist Church 1300 LA-26, DeRidder, LA 70634 at 11:00am. Visitation will begin Sunday October 13, 2024 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Friendship Baptist Church. Visitation will resume at the church on Monday at 10:00am till the time of service. Grave side service with military honors will be 1:30pm at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery 3348 University Pkwy, Leesville, LA 71446, on Monday October 14, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask to make donations to either the Disabled American Veterans or the Wounded Warrior Project.