He attended Milley High School and as well as the University of Houston. Tom honorably served in the United States Marine Corp from 1968 until 1970, in the First Marine Air Wing, flying in over 90 missions in Vietnam. He received numerous honors, including the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal and Air Wings. Once home, he graduated from the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy. From 1971 until 2006, he served as Director of Security, Director of Fraud Investigation and Marketing Director for several Houston companies. Tom might be best known for running the door at Wild West for over 30 years. He was a proud life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for over 26 years, serving on various committees as committeeman to chairman.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Estelle Markham. He is survived by his loving wife, Stacey, his son, John Markham and his wife Angie and their children, Brycelynn and Savannah; his mother and father in law, Sharon and George Buschardt, sisters and brothers in law, Kim and Dan Craine, Sheila Schneider and her husband Russell; his brothers in law, Matt and George Buschardt and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.
Yesterday evening, friends gathered with the family during a visitation at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.
The funeral service is to be conducted at one o’clock this afternoon, Thursday, the 17th of March, at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 345 Piney Point Road in Houston, where the Rev. Stuart Bates, Rector, is to officiate.
Honored to serve as casket-bearers during today’s services are Ron Walker, Gary Parnell, Tommy Fogle, Frank Barnett, Thomas Sites, Darrell Campbell, Don Thompson, Fred Berry, Bob Owen and Mark White. Serving as honorary pallbearers are members of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Grand Entry Committee as well as Charlie Grant.
The interment is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
After the graveside service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a venue to be announced.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family request that donations in Tom’s honor be directed to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, P.O. Box 20070, Houston, TX, 77225.
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