John Warren Markowitz

John Warren Markowitz, 93, of Olpe, KS, died on January 13, 2025 in the company of his family at the Presbyterian Manor in Wichita. John was born in Olpe at their family home on February 19, 1931. He married Joan Robinson at Sacred Heart Church in Emporia and lived in Olpe until 2019.

John was known for his quiet, humble manner and his deep devotion to family, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church/School and community, his friends, and his work. He enjoyed his career and colleagues at Panhandle Natural Gas as well as his work in floor covering. John was a proud veteran who served in the US Navy from 1950-1954 as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class maintaining the first helicopters in the Navy. He was present for the world’s first detonation of a thermonuclear warhead at a test site in the Pacific Ocean. John was a long-time active member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, KC Royals supporter, and boater—enjoying waterskiing well into his 50s and his cabin at Lake Kahola. He loved dogs and especially loved walking them at the Olpe City Lake.

John was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Elizabeth Markowitz, his twin sisters Josette and Georgette (members of the Catholic order of Franciscan nuns), his brothers Joseph and George. John was the proud father of four children, Bob (Robbin) Markowitz of Troy, Ohio, Shelly Trear and Lori Limchayseng of Wichita, KS, and Patrick (Lisa) Markowitz of Reston, VA, eleven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

A private Catholic Mass will be held in Wichita for immediate family. A graveside service will be held in the Spring on April 12, 2025 with military honors at 10 a.m. at the Olpe Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up in John’s name to support the Veteran’s Memorial at the Olpe Cemetery, which he was instrumental in creating. Please make checks payable to the St. Joseph Cemetery and mail to Lakeview Funeral Home (12100 E. 13th Street N., Wichita, KS 67206).