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Louise (Day) Markham, 84-year-old well known Vinita resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 29, 1941, in Tahlequah to Clarence “Leo” Day and Edith Frances (Enlow) Day. Louise was a 1959 graduate of Locust Grove High School. She married the love of her life, Wade Markham on November 19, 1959, at the Presbyterian Church in Locust Grove. She attended OSU along with working, while Wade was in the Veterinary Medicine School. Louise and Wade lived in Duncan and Pryor before Wade joined Dr. Denny in Vinita and began his practice here. Louise worked at the First National Bank in Vinita for 12 years, and later she joined Wade at the Veterinary Clinic. She served on the board of Craig General Hospital. Louise enjoyed painting, repairing furniture, sewing, and was a great cook. Louise’s most passionate thing was her love of Jesus, she and Wade started Cowboy Junction Church in their barn, and it grew into what it is today. They worked in the church side by side, helping lead many to Christ. They also started the Cowboy Junction Christian School and many other ministries to help those in need. Louise worked in missions in Italy, and was dedicated to the James Robison Water Well Ministry, helping third world countries have safe water. Her love for her community and church family will be greatly missed by many.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Leo, and Edith Day; her loving husband Dr. Wade Markham in 2024; her siblings, Clarence Leroy Day, Thomas Day, Wanda Peppler, and nephew, Bradley Day.
The family includes her children; Clint Markham and wife Kathy, Marsha Hawkins and husband Darry, Todd Markham and wife Michelle, all of Vinita; grandchildren, Cale Markham and wife Dana, Heath Hawkins, Terri Bryant and husband Austin, Austin Markham, Dayton Markham (Alyssa); great-grandchildren, Charlie and Augustus Bryant, And Cade Markham; brother in law, Jim Peppler; sisters in law, Betsy Willis, Earline and Velma Day.
The visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Cowboy Junction from 6-8 p.m.
The celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Jim King will officiate. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita. Casket bearers will be Cale, Austin and Dayton Markham, Heath Hawkins, Ryan Smith, and Brian Day. Honorary bearers will be Kevin Waddle, Jess Hale, Dennis Delozier, Marty Poppino, Kenny Hoodenpyle, Bruce Prince, and Troy Phillips.
Friends may give to Cowboy Junction, 27662 S 4380 Rd, Vinita, OK 74301.
Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. “Vinita’s only locally family owned and operated funeral home.”
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