Donald Markwell

Born an identical twin, he grew up in Central City, Kentucky with brother Ron and later spent 3 years in Detroit when his parents moved to the city to work in a defense plant.

After the war, the family returned to Central City where Don and Ron became actively engaged in the Central City Methodist Church and the Truth for Youth Quartet. Both began what became a life-long love affair with singing. After graduating from Central City High School, the brothers enrolled at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green in 1954.

Don studied and sang in chorale, however, he spent much of his time in the Diddle Arena where he insisted on serving as the unofficial play-by-play announcer, entertaining and sometimes offending friends in the stands.

Don returned to Central City to accept a disc jockey position at WNES AM in 1956.

He, his wife and his young family moved to Montgomery in the late 1950’s where he went to work for WCOV 1170 AM as the night time disc jockey, for what was then an adult contemporary format, “The Pleasant Sound of Good Music”. He was later promoted to the position of Program Director.

In 1967, he launched the “Viewpoint Show.” He was one of the early pioneers in the nation of the show’s format—a new, controversial, issues-oriented program now known as talk radio.

In 1972, Markwell became Operations Manager and moved the Viewpoint program to WQTY AM/ WFMI-FM.

By the mid-70’s, just as he had anticipated the popularity of talk radio, Markwell

saw the future of FM radio and country music as a mainstream format. He took his plan and vision to Robert E. Lowder and Colonial Broadcasting was born.

In January 1978, WLWI-FM signed on the air, with Willie Nelson’s “Momma Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”. I-92 soared to the #1 position in the market in the first year, in the Arbitron ratings book and continued in the number one position for decades to follow. Radio groups throughout the southeast adopted the successfully branded I-92 “shield” logo and Don Markwell’s winning formula.

Colonial Broadcasting continued to grow building powerhouse country stations including WOWW 107 in Pensacola and WUSY (US 101) in Chattanooga. Locally, Markwell also supported the 1984 start-up of Faith Radio, WLBF 89.1 by donating tower space and equipment.

Markwell believed that a successful format was a combination of music, personalities, news and community involvement. WLWI aired news, weather and Don’s Markwell’s 90-second editorials designed to provoke and focus attention on local, state and national issues. Markwell’s editorial writing earned him multiple Associated Press awards.

Markwell’s belief in people and talent built many careers including WLWI’s Don Day, Dr. Sam and Warren “Rhubarb” Jones (multiple winner of the Country Music DJ of the Year Award) who all became household names. When Colonial Broadcasting acquired the rights to broadcast the Auburn Radio Network, Markwell tapped then WLWI sportscaster Jim Fyffe as the Voice of the Auburn Tigers.

I-92 incubated air, news and management talent that continues to lead stations throughout the United States.

In the 1980’s, after years as VP and General Manager of Colonial Broadcasting, Markwell resurrected his Viewpoint show on WACV AM in Montgomery, Alabama. Listeners enthusiastically welcomed him back. At that time, national talk shows including Rush Limbaugh were emerging and growing in popularity. “Dauntless Don” focused on state and local issues as well as the national scene. The show remained on the air until he retired in August of 2008.

Although known for his conservative opinions, Don was fiercely independent. He pilloried politicians and power brokers of all stripes. His show, often praised, often criticized and sometimes derided was always monitored, covered and followed by public figures and area news organizations. He hosted Congressman, governors, councilmen and nationally recognized political figures and commentators. Known for a fair interview and an acerbic wit, his ability to communicate with the audience earned him the respect of his peers and of his community. He was known as the “Dean of Talk Radio” throughout the state and his show was recognized by the Alabama Broadcaster’s Association with an ABBY Best in Broadcasting Award in 2008.

In addition to a 50-year career in radio, Markwell’s interest also included music and reading. He sang bass in both barbershop and gospel quartets. Markwell was a member of Frazer United Methodist Church for over a decade, singing in the choir and church quartets. He also had a lifelong passion for learning and assembled an enviable library.

He is survived by his wife, Nell Rankin Markwell, brother, Ron Markwell, four sons, DG Markwell (Debbie), Brent Taylor Markwell (Terri), Roger Warren Markwell (Angie) and Gregory Wayne Markwell, grandchildren: Weston Murphy Markwell, Brent Jamie (BJ) Markwell (Ashley), Ryan Taylor Markwell (Melissa), Matthew Scott Markwell (Connie), Wendy Lynn Sampson, Jacob Samuel Williamson, Dudley Sellers, Ansley Kay Markwell, Margaret Anne Markwell, Andrew Nolan Markwell, Meredith Taylor Markwell and Madelene Carolanne Markwell and 4 great grandchildren; Aiden Matthew Markwell, Brenton Walker Markwell and Kinsey and Parker Eissler.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Frazer United Methodist Church and Hospice of Montgomery or the charity of your choice.

Funeral services are will be announced by Leak Memory Chapel