Gunnery Sgt. Harry V. Markel, 78, of Ironton, passed away Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, at a local health care center. The Decatur Township native was born Sept. 23, 1932, the son of the late Charles Robert and Tora Louise Dalton Markel. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Rallda Jean Waddell Markel.

Mr. Markel was a graduate of Decatur-Washington Schools and Arizona Western College. He was a U.S. Marine veteran, serving during the Korean and Vietnam eras. He was a former crane operator for the Marquette Cement Company and a security guard for Wackenhut. He attended Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Amvets, the VFW Post 8850 and a lifetime member of the NRA.

Gunny Markel was an “Aviation Ordianceman” and a veteran of two foreign wars. He served as a chief ordiance sergeant for both fighters and helicopter squadrons most notable the “Black Sheep Squadron” and “The Angry Two.” Gunny Markel’s last assignment for the USMC was in Yuma, Ariz., where he ushered in the newest jet of the day, the “Harrier” AV-8 in 1969, which is still in service today.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by: an infant sister: Fonda Markel; a sister, Laura McFann; four brothers, Cliff Markel, Robert Markel, Gene Markel and Jerry Markel; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Markel and Madge Markel.

He is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Laura Jean and Herb Brown and Carolyn “Suzy” Sue Bryant and Danny Dickess, all of Ironton, Julia Ann and Ray Jones of Pedro, and Sally Ruth and Tom Inglis of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two sons and daughters-in-law, David Kingsley Markel and Karen of Ironton and Harry “Andy” Anderson Markel and Tammy of Valencia, Calif.; a sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Pete Wilson of Ironton; a brother-in-law, Gene McFann of Pedro; three sisters-in-law, Marjorie Markel and Vera Markel, both of Pedro, and Debbie Markel of Ironton; 23 grandchildren, Casie Taylor of South Point, Robin Taylor of Ironton, Meghan Taylor of Ironton, Cody Bryant of Pedro, Dakota Bryant of Ironton, Shelby Dickess of Ironton, Hallie Dickess of Ironton, Ray Jones II and Jessica of Ironton, Rhelda Furnari and Pete of Chesapeake, Va., Emily Scott and Michael of Pedro, Matthew Jones and Megan of Pedro, James Inglis of St. Petersburg, Fla., Jennifer Inglis of St. Petersburg, Fhara Markel Hopper and Sgt. Jimmy Hopper of Ironton, Krista Markel of Ironton, Brooke Markel of Ironton, Autumn Markel of Ironton, D.J. Markel of Ironton, Tyler Markel of Ironton, Maggie Markel of Los Angeles, Calif., and Olivia Markel of Los Angeles; 13 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Phillips Funeral Home with Rev. Leon Dalton officiating. Burial will follow in Puckett Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 5-9 p.m. at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.