William Julius Markus

He is preceded in death by his parents, Conrad Henry Markus and Catherine Markus (Yurk), and several brothers and sisters.

William is survived by his wife, Betty Alvena Markus (McClendon) of 69 years, daughter Terry Ellen Markus (Bazoff), son-in-law Michael James Bazoff, grandson, Parker Anthony Markus Bazoff, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

William grew up in Sugar City, Colorado and attended Sugar City High School. During high school he met his lovely wife, Betty McClendon in Ordway, Colorado and was married on September 11, 1948 in Raton, New Mexico. Together they worked at Foster Lumber Company in Ordway before moving to Pueblo where he became employed at the Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation since 1951. He retired from there in 1986.

William enjoyed several activities which included him being an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a member of the original annual Markus hunting camp, in South Fork, Colorado which continues today, thanks to nephews and cousins. He also owned a cabin in South Fork, which he termed as his "happy place" and went there as often as he could. Throughout the years he also was a member of the Mitchell Caravan Club, in which he served as President in 1969 and 1981 and enjoyed being a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, #145 in Pueblo. He thoroughly enjoyed his family and adored his grandson Parker, in which he was happy to say that he was the one that taught him all of his hunting and fishing skills, so the tradition continues.

He will be missed by so many as he charmed all of us with his wit, humor and his personality, he was one in a million. Many will miss the nicknames that he had for everyone and his presence when he came into any room.

A memorial service is planned at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2018, at Imperial Memorial Gardens located at 5450 Highway 78 West, Pueblo, Colorado.