John F., 87, formerly of OKC, died Aug. 10, 1999 in Nevada, MO. He was born Feb. 20, 1912 in St. Clair Co., MO to Henry Milton and Cora Josephine (Ripkey) Markham . He worked in the pipeline construction industry during most of his life. He started out working for Montin Const. Co. of OKC & later, owned and operated his own company, John F. Markham Pipeline Const. Co. from 1961 to 1980. During WW II, he and his construction crew were recruited and enlisted in the Army, as a group, to construct the major aviation fuel depot in New Guinea as the principal source storage for aviation gasoline for the B-29 offensive against the Japanese Islands from 1943-1945. He resided in OKC until 1984; thereafter, he and his wife resided in El Dorado Springs, MO, until his recent entry into the nursing care facility in Nevada, MO. He was formerly a member of the Capitol Hill United Methodist Church; then he became a member of the El Dorado Springs Methodist Church until the date of his death.

He is survived by his wife, Faye of the home; daughter, Anna Markham ; foster son, James Hefner; & numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins.

Services will be held 10:00 A.M. Tues. Aug. 17, 1999 at the South Colonial Chapel.