William Robert Markley

William Robert Markley, “Bill”, passed away in his home Thursday, April 14th, 2022. Bill was born in Council Grove on June 12th, 1926 to Laffeytte and Lyla Markley. They lived east of Council Grove at the fairgrounds/county shop area, where the Poor farm was located. His father was killed by a fallen tree when he was 9. His mother stayed a widow the rest of her life. Bill was always working after school to provide for his family. He joined the US Army after his graduation from Delavan, Kansas, in June 1944. The army airfield was in operation at the airport north of Delavan. He completed training and was in the Battle of the Bulge where he sustained shrapnel injuries in his left lower leg. He completed his enlistment as a Ruptured Duck, similar to the Wounded Warrior of today.

Bill then farmed in the Wilsey and Delavan areas until the late 70s and then worked for the Morris County road department and maintained the roads in the Delavan area. He married Betty Jo Spiker Albin from Wilsey in 1966 and took on the role of a father to four teenagers; Sheryl Albin, Mike Albin, Steve Albin, and Jeff Albin. Followed by a daughter, Julie Markley Brock Mans. After his retirement, Bill and Betty were fulltime babysitters to grandkids and Wilsey’s children. Bill also survived catastrophic burns from a fire in their home in 2006.

Bill’s wife, Betty passed away in 2016 and resided with his daughter west of Wilsey until his death on April 14th, 2022. He is survived by a sister, Naomi Nelson, nephews Thomas and David Nelson, and children; Sheryl, Steve, Jeff, and Julie. He had 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Son Mike passed away in 2012.

Bill’s desire to be donated for the study of burn and shrapnel wounds at KU Medical Center, upon return of his ashes there will be a spreading ceremony west of Wilsey in Julie Man’s pasture and a party to celebrate his life.

Request notification contacts Julie Mans via Facebook, jeb5577@ gmail. com or 620-766-7221. 1726 South 2000 Rd Wilsey, KS 66873.