David R. Markwell, 96, of Peoria, passed away on July 14, 2015 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
David was born to George and Amanda (Luman) Markwell on July 6, 1919 in Nepton, KY. David married Virginia S. Imthurn on August 1, 1948 in Peoria.
Surviving David is his wife of 66 years; one daughter, Diane Markwell of Sycamore; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Randy D. Markwell, and 12 brothers and sisters.
After graduating high school, David enlisted in the Army. He was a PFC in WWII and was stationed in Sicily. He served 3 and a half years in Africa as one of General Patton's Jeep drivers. He drove the lead Jeep, leading the convoy into Africa.
After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army, David worked as a switchman for the Santa Fe Railroad in Chillicothe, and then for Caterpillar, building tractors. He retired from Caterpillar in 1979 after 31 years of dedicated service.
David enjoyed going camping on family vacations, sitting in his backyard, and antique cars and tools. He had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. to visit memorials built to honor his military service on the Honor Flight in April of 2014.
A funeral service for David will be held at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in the chapel on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 10:30am. Reverend Ray Harrison will officiate. Burial and military rites will be immediately following. Visitation will be held at Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home, 428 W. McClure Ave. in Peoria on Friday, July 17, 2015 from 4:00-6:00pm.
Memorials in honor of David may be made to Glen Oak Christian Church.
David's online memorial website may be viewed at www.cumerford.com
Visitation
JUL
17.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CDT)
Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home
428 W. McClure Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
Funeral Ceremony
JUL
18.
10:30 AM (CDT)
Swan Lake Memory Gardens
4601 W. War Memorial Dr.
Peoria, IL 61615
Graveside Service
JUL
18.
11:30 AM (CDT)
Swan Lake Memory Gardens
4601 W. War Memorial Dr.
Peoria, IL 61615
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