Obituaries

Markesbery, J. Donald of Ft. Wright, KY, Age 93, passed into the presence of his heavenly Father on July 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Allie Howard Markesbery, 2 sisters Beverly Scott and Barbara Kelly, and a niece Jamie Jetter. Don leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Elaine Schwartz Berger Markesbery, his children, Jim (Kay) Markesbery, Richard (Pam) Markesbery, Douglas (Diane) Markesbery, Sharon (Jim) Burcham, Kevin (Linda) Markesbery, Barry (Sonya) Markesbery and David (Leslie) Markesbery. Also surviving are two Stepchildren, Kathy (Jim) Williams and Brian Berger. Don is survived by 19 grandchildren, 41 great grand children and 5 great great grand children. Don is also survived by a brother Bud (Gladys) Markesbery and a sister Maryalice Markesbery.
Don was a long-time contractor in the Northern KY area beginning his vocation at 16 helping his father build houses. In 1952 Don started building houses in the Florence area which was the start of a lifetime work. In later years he specialized in concrete. In 1991 he worked on the I-75 hill project. In 2018 he retired and sold his company, Don Markesbery Contractor, Inc., retiring at the age of 88.
He was a member of the Florence United Methodist Church since 1936, District President of the Covington District United Methodist Men for 26 years, a Member of the Boone Union Masonic Lodge for 65 years and a member of the Gideons International since 1979.
Memorials are suggested to the Gideons International, PO Box 252, Highland Heights, KY 41076, where Don was an active member for 44 years. At age 89 he was still passing out Bibles on the Northern Kentucky University campus.
Services will be held at the Florence United Methodist Church, 8585 Old Toll Rd, Florence, KY on Friday, July 28th. Visitation will be from 10 am to 1 pm. Masonic Services will be held at 1:00 pm with funeral service immediately following. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.stithfuneralhomes.com.