Mr. Donald E. Markle, 86, of Gettysburg, passed away Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the SpiriTrust Lutheran Home in Gettysburg. Born September 6, 1931 in Hanover, PA, he was the son of the late Ira & Ada (Stauffer) Markle. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Geri (O’Brien) Markle. He was preceded in death by his first wife Patricia, mother of their five children, who died in 1965.
He graduated from Montgomery Blair High School, Silver Spring, MD. Attended The Johns Hopkins University 1949-1952 majoring in History/Political Science. Studies interrupted by Korean War. Served in U.S. Army from 1952-1955. Upon return, he graduated from University of Maryland. Did graduate work at American and George Washington Universities in areas of International Relations.
Federal employee for 34 years with The Department of Defense in area of Intelligence, predominantly with the National Security Agency. Served abroad for 13 years, with assignments in Germany in a NATO billet; a tour at the U.S. Embassy in London, UK, where he was integrated into the British Foreign Office; and as the Civilian Assistant to the Defense Attaché U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy. He retired in 1986 as the Director of Foreign Relations, Europe, for The National Security Agency.
In retirement, his passions were History, Writing, Instructing, and Volunteering. Authored five books. Volunteered 25 years at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, and 20 years at the Eisenhower National Historic Site, Gettysburg.
For his beloved St. Francis Xavier Gettysburg Parish, he served as head of the Parish Pastoral Council, and on the Bishop’s Pastoral Council, and was head of the St. Francis Xavier School Building Committee.
Honors to include induction into the Phi Alpha Theta National Honor Society, and received an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 2011 from Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In addition to his wife Geri, he is survived by his five children: Chris (Pat) and children Ian and Sara, El Cerrito CA; Kevin, Springfield VA; Anne (Jacqueline), Naperville IL; David (Berli) and children Mikel and Lea, Houston, TX; and Claire (Emily), San Jose CA, sister, Mary Louise Roberts of Loveland, CA and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at St. Francis Xavier Church, High Street, Gettysburg, with Fr. Daniel Mitzel and Fr. John Kuchinski concelebrants. There will be a viewing at the Monahan Funeral Home, Gettysburg, Friday, March 16, from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be at a later date at the Arlington National Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Francis Xavier School, Gettysburg, 465 Table Rock Rd, Gettysburg PA, 17325 or Adams County Library, 140 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA 17325. Online tributes and condolences can be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
16
Mar
125 Carlisle Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Service
17
Mar
25 West High Street
Gettyburg, PA 17325
Cemetery Details
Location
Memorial Ave.
Arlington, VA 22211
