David Markham
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David Lee Markham, age 82, passed peacefully away in the arms of His Lord, surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. Dave was born on January 28, 1940 in Denison, Texas to Mary Elizabeth (Parker) Markham and Daniel Bevelon Markham.
Dave was born and raised in Denison, Texas and graduated from Denison High School in 1958. He played baseball and football. He served as Class President, was voted senior favorite, participated in Texas Boys State and earned All District with the Denison Yellow Jackets Football team.
After high school graduation, he attended Texas Tech University for 2 years before transferring to North Texas State University. Dave was the first person in his family to receive a college degree- Bachelor's of Education. And later, his Master's of Secondary Education from North Texas State University, Denton, TX.
While at Tech, he was a member of Delta Tau Delta and Saddle Tramps. His favorite memories of Texas Tech involved meeting Mary McMahon of Ft. Worth, TX, his loving wife of 61 years. After arranging an introduction and a few dates, he sweet talked her into wearing his "pin" and he put her sorority sticker on his car. They married on June 3,1961 at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, University Christian Church, Ft. Worth, TX.
A 5 year career as a High School football coach in Van Alstyne and San Angelo under Emory Bellard led him to change his career and enter the clothing business in Dallas in 1964 and he never looked back.
Affectionately known as, "Mayor of the Mart(Dallas Apparel Mart), Dave worked for Levi's, Kennington, LTD and other companies. In 1987, he and a couple of friends formed The Apparel Workshop which facilitated private label business for retailers. In 2004, Cavender's asked Dave to create the now famous Texas flag shirt for the Texas delegation at the Republican Convention, his wife Mary contributed by hand drawing the star for the shirt. He and his partners enjoyed the last 20 years of his career together.
He traveled all over the United States and the world for business and pleasure; Mary joined him on some of these trips. Italy, Germany, France, England, Ireland, and Hong Kong were among his favorites. But nothing could compare to hanging out in Estes Park, Colorado on Fall River, feeding the birds.
He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Dallas since 1972 and served as an usher and on the vestry.
Dave had two children with Mary that he loved dearly. Meribeth Wilkinson and husband Rick of College Station, TX and son Steven Markham and wife Sabine of Atlanta, GA. He was proudest of his 6 grandchildren and loved being Grandad and Opa Dave.
Dave is also survived by his younger sister, Kathleen Markham Pena.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers that helped Dave these last few months. We are so thankful for Ventana by Buckner, Freedom Hospice and Comfort Keepers.
Memorial Service and Interment of Ashes will be held at 1:00PM, Saturday, August 20, 2022 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 848 Harter Rd., Dallas, TX 75218. Reception following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Parkinson's Foundation or your favorite charity.