December 9th, 2024, Colonel Richard A. Markley (Dick) passed away peacefully with his son, Chip at his side. Dick has reunited with his wife of over 69 years, Eugenie, in their forever heavenly home. Col. Markley and Eugenie resided in West Milton, Ohio all their lives, where they raised their four children.

Richard Markley was born May 25th, 1932, in the family farmhouse on Markley Road, West Milton, Ohio. After spending a portion of his early years in Cocoa, Florida, Dick returned to West Milton. He attended Milton-Union High School and participated in baseball, basketball, and track. He was an excellent athlete and played on the championship basketball team in 1950. It was then Richard met Eugenie, and the lifelong love affair of 'Dick & Janie' began.

Dick and Janie were married in June 1953. The newlyweds enjoyed boating and vacationing in Michigan, where Dick would take his Thompson boat on the lakes in the company of their friends from West Milton. Dick was also an avid outdoorsman and athlete, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and training Brittany Spaniels. During this time, he learned to fly and piloted his own two seat aircraft over the skies of Ohio. When he was not engaged in one of these activities, you could find Dick on his motorcycle or just on a leisurely ride on his bike around town. His fondest stories he told his grandchildren were about these adventures and the wonderful memories he experienced.

On July 2, 1949, Richard joined the 162nd Fighter Squadron of the Ohio Air National Guard (ANG). He progressed to the rank of MSgt and was the First Sergeant of the Unit. In January of 1951 he became a full-time technician at the Air Guard base. He received a direct appointment to the rank of Second Lieutenant in April 1956 acting as the Adjutant of the 162nd Fighter Squadron. Richard then attended Personnel School at Lowry AFB, Colorado, and became the Personnel Officer of the 162nd Fighter Squadron. He deployed and served as Captain, Personnel Chief during the Berlin Crisis in 1961 for approximately 11 months. He then returned to the Ohio ANG as a full-time air technician serving as an Administrative Officer, Personnel Officer, Executive Officer, and 15 years as Commander of the 178th Combat Support Squadron in Springfield, Ohio rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel.

In October of 1983 Lt. Col. Markley transferred to the Headquarters, Ohio ANG as the Executive Officer, promoted to Colonel on June 15, 1985. He spent his final year of service appointed as the Acting Assistant Adjutant General for Air, for the State of Ohio. In this position he was responsible for the leadership and management of all nine Ohio Air Guard units, which included 5,900 assigned personnel in four Air Force commands. Col Markley retired from Military Duty on June 13, 1990, with a total of 40 years, 11 months, and 12 days of military service.

Richard was a father first. During his Temporary Duty Assignments to Florida, D.C. and Michigan, Col. Markley would ensure his family made the trip with him, staying at a local resort and enjoying the beach, city, or lakes while he was on duty, and anxiously awaiting Dad's time off.

When Col. Markley was not serving his country, he was actively involved in the West Milton United Methodist Church and the West Milton Lions Club. Dick loved attending Milton sporting events and was a fixture in the stands for Bulldog football games. He enjoyed his children's activities, and watching his Bengals, Buckeyes, and the Cincinnati Reds playball.

During his retirement Dick and Janie loved to travel to see grandchildren. Dick enjoyed boating on Lake St. Mary's and Indian Lake and taking road trips to boat on Lake Cumberland. His best times were with family. He enjoyed the Markley family reunions in West Milton. Holidays were always special times, especially when his family came to "the Hill" for the 4th of July! Richard was an avid croquet participant and dominated the family games. During summer evenings, he always enjoyed his ice cream dessert!

Dick was a wonderful grandfather, "Granddaddy" as he was known, and great-grandfather as well. Dick had a loving and caring manner, incredibly wise, and had a calm, welcoming demeanor. He was a kind, gentle soul of a man; forgiving, respected, loved and enjoyed by all. His life made a lasting impact on everyone who met him, collaborated with him, and loved him.

Col. Markley is survived by his daughters Betsy Janese (Woodrow), Stephanie Seman (Scott), and Ivie Markley, his son Richard "Chip" Markley (Shana), seven beloved grandchildren and eight adoring great grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife Eugenie "Janie" Markley.

The family will later announce the Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The University of Cincinnati, Gardner Neuroscience Institute.

University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute
3113 Bellevue Avenue, Cincinnati OH 45219