John was born August 8, 1955 to parents, John W. Markey, Sr. and Maria Garcia (both deceased). John is survived by his sisters, Cecilia Medina (Fred), Ruth Guzman (Juan), Susan E. Markey and Maria M. Cilek (Ron); nieces and nephews, Fred Medina, Jr. (Gissele), John A. Medina (Sarah), Meagan Tijerina (Carlos), Sonia Guzman, Chelsea-Rae Reeves (Stephen) and Eric Cilek; great-nieces and nephews, Matthew, Aaliyah and Liam Medina; Braden, Riley, and Caleb Reeves and Baby Tijerina.
John was a Boy Scout and a student of Martial Arts. He began working at the Institute of Texan Cultures where he found his lifelong love of Indian Folklore and Western History. He became an expert on all things Alamo, working with Alamo Historians.
John went on to work at the San Antonio State School, to which he devoted much of his life. He loved his patients, often referring to them as his "kids". Outside of work hours, he organized their entertainment, creating movie extravaganzas, field trips and other social activities while also providing his artwork and photography skills. He was their Santa Claus, their Easter Bunny and advocated for their special needs in the school. He worked with the Special Olympics organization, empowering his kids. When the need arose, John would drive to the State School in Corpus Christi to help transport patients from that area during the hurricane season. As a result of his generosity, he was inducted into the Texas Volunteer Hall of Fame.
When John retired, he traveled the VIA bus lines visiting his city, making friends along the way. He loved talking and meeting with people, while visiting locations such the Downtown area and local bookstores. Known as "The Artist", John loved to draw for others, providing his work to many people and businesses in the San Antonio area.
John loved spending time with his family who dearly loved him. He was known as "Uncle John" to all in his family circle. He was very involved with the younger children and was so proud to hear of their accomplishments. He shared his love of reading and movies with his family and spent every Sunday with them. He loved to share stories on these special Sundays and at family celebrations.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Rd. San Antonio, TX 78237, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 7:00 pm that same evening.
