Obituary for Ernest Lee Marksberry
Ernest Lee Marksberry, went to be with Jesus on February 28, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his wife of 40 years and his children. In his 72 years on this earth, Ernie has had many accomplishments and accolades. However, if you were to ask him, he would be the first to deflect and proclaim his greatest pursuit was that of following Jesus. He gave his life to Jesus through baptism on February 12, 2021 at Christ Church Fort Wayne where he was a member. His faith never wavered through his long illness. His only hope is that everyone would know and grow in faith. The family rejoices knowing that Ernie is now without pain and walking on the streets of gold.
Ernie is survived and missed by his loving wife Miriam (Cole) of 40 years; and his children, Brian, Stephen, Thomas (Mitzi Toland), Dawn (Christopher Kuhlman), Mellissa (Christopher Depew). Forever remembered by his 8 grandchildren, Chelzi, Shelbi, Dustin, Brittany (Joe Kieffer), Seth (Payton Buehrer), Jacob, CJ, Leena, and his
great-grandchildren. Step Father Gary Boyer. Siblings and their families; Kay & Allan (deceased), Max & Donna, Phyliss & Dale, Linda, Gary, Gerry (deceased), Phillip (deceased) and Bruce (deceased). He is proceeded in death by his mother Rita (Boyer) and his father Everitt.
Ernie was born on May 17, 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in Portsmouth with his Grandfather Edward, Mom and Sister. Ernie graduated from Northwest High School in 1968 where he was a member of the Future Teachers of America, played football, baseball, basketball, track and was awarded the fastest sprinter in the Scioto County. He also served as Class President and served on prom court.
For 43 years, Ernie worked at Johns Manville. He also served the Defiance Jaycees as President in 1980 and then State Regional Director of the Jaycees in 1981. Through the Jaycees he also served as the Director of the Miss Northwestern Ohio Pageant in the late 70s.
Always a sports fan, Ernie spent many years cheering on his children and grandchildren as they pursued sports, band and theater. He coached boys little league baseball. Earning the title of City Champs in 1985. From 1999-2001 he served as Band Booster President for the Paulding High School Mighty Marching Machine. Later in life, his wife who bleeds yellow and black converted him to being a Steelers fan after being a loyal Bengals fan. The family spent many a summers and days listening to the Reds play on the radio, while Ernie sipped his coffee.
In 2015, Ernie and Miriam moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. He spent his retirement volunteering for many Allen County organizations: The Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, Christs Church Community Pantry, YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne and Freimann Square Ministries.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 4th, 2023 at Christ Church Fort Wayne. Family will receive guests at 10am, with the service beginning at 12pm. Memorial donations can be written to lieu of Woodburn Children’s Home or Destiny’s Rescue.
Ernie is survived and missed by his loving wife Miriam (Cole) of 40 years; and his children, Brian, Stephen, Thomas (Mitzi Toland), Dawn (Christopher Kuhlman), Mellissa (Christopher Depew). Forever remembered by his 8 grandchildren, Chelzi, Shelbi, Dustin, Brittany (Joe Kieffer), Seth (Payton Buehrer), Jacob, CJ, Leena, and his
great-grandchildren. Step Father Gary Boyer. Siblings and their families; Kay & Allan (deceased), Max & Donna, Phyliss & Dale, Linda, Gary, Gerry (deceased), Phillip (deceased) and Bruce (deceased). He is proceeded in death by his mother Rita (Boyer) and his father Everitt.
Ernie was born on May 17, 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in Portsmouth with his Grandfather Edward, Mom and Sister. Ernie graduated from Northwest High School in 1968 where he was a member of the Future Teachers of America, played football, baseball, basketball, track and was awarded the fastest sprinter in the Scioto County. He also served as Class President and served on prom court.
For 43 years, Ernie worked at Johns Manville. He also served the Defiance Jaycees as President in 1980 and then State Regional Director of the Jaycees in 1981. Through the Jaycees he also served as the Director of the Miss Northwestern Ohio Pageant in the late 70s.
Always a sports fan, Ernie spent many years cheering on his children and grandchildren as they pursued sports, band and theater. He coached boys little league baseball. Earning the title of City Champs in 1985. From 1999-2001 he served as Band Booster President for the Paulding High School Mighty Marching Machine. Later in life, his wife who bleeds yellow and black converted him to being a Steelers fan after being a loyal Bengals fan. The family spent many a summers and days listening to the Reds play on the radio, while Ernie sipped his coffee.
In 2015, Ernie and Miriam moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. He spent his retirement volunteering for many Allen County organizations: The Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, Christs Church Community Pantry, YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne and Freimann Square Ministries.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 4th, 2023 at Christ Church Fort Wayne. Family will receive guests at 10am, with the service beginning at 12pm. Memorial donations can be written to lieu of Woodburn Children’s Home or Destiny’s Rescue.