Robert ‘Bob’ Markham, 76, of Murphy, North Carolina passed away on Monday, August 28, 2023, at the Clay County Care Center in Hayesville, North Carolina.
Robert Elton Markham was born and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin. His ‘farm boy’ life instilled in him a solid work ethic that included many years of 4-H and FFA activities. Bob graduated with a business degree from Milton College. He tried his hand at a number of businesses including Manager of the prestigious Stevens Point Country Club (WI), but eventually came back to his agricultural roots. Bob took over the family farm where he raised veal calves for the restaurant market. After the divorce to his first wife (Chris Heck) he moved to Naples, Florida.
Bob became an officer of an irrigation company in Naples, with his mechanical and engineering knowledge becoming integral to the success of the company. A few years after arriving in Naples he met the love of his life, Carmen, where he gained and helped raise his bonus children.
Bob was an excellent chef; his ‘Steak Marko’ was always a mouth-watering favorite. Bob also enjoyed baking. Bob loved to hunt, was an avid golfer, and loved to cheer on his beloved Badgers and Packers. After retiring with Carmen to their mountain top home in Murphy, North Carolina in 2012, he added the love of riding around in his side-by-side ATV, never tiring of their Appalachian Mountain views.
Bob leaves behind his beloved wife Carmen, his two stepchildren Michael Ortiz (Shannon) of Kennesaw, Georgia, Lori LoRae (Anthony) of Canton, Georgia, and his three grandchildren Serena, Maddalena, and Devin. Bob also leaves behind his four siblings: John Markham of Jefferson, Wisconsin, Linda Markham-Nitz (Ron) of Knoxville, Tennessee, Nancy Markham-Troller and nephew John Troller of Middleton, Wisconsin, and Patti D’Angelo (Mike) and niece Ahna of Port Charlotte, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lillie Markham; and Rob Troller.
Bob will be remembered as one of the good guys; always willing to lend a hand. He will be remembered for his warm heart, kind spirit, and love for his family and community. His memory will forever live on in those who loved him and in the hearts of those lucky enough to know him. May his memory be blessed.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Murphy. The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 pm prior to the service.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, as well as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Betty Lou Totherow 
