John M. Markel, Sr.

John Martin “Tab” Markel, Sr., 73, of Blairsville, PA passed away on Monday, March 18, 2019 at his home.

The son of John T. and Elizabeth M. (Palmer) Markel, he was born December 2, 1945 in Latrobe, PA.

John graduated from Elders Ridge High School, Class of 1964 and was a veteran of the US Navy, having served during the Vietnam War.

He was a retired coal miner and also had worked at Chestnut Ridge Golf Course, Blairsville.

He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America #1619, Lucerne Mines and was a former Burrell Township Supervisor for four years.

John enjoyed hunting with his son.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Sue Ann (Gibbons) Markel whom he married November 28, 1967; two sons, Jeffrey Markel of Verona, VA and John Markel, Jr. (Satoko) of San Diego, CA; two grandchildren, Dustin Markel and Kyle Markel, a sister, Elizabeth Fedder (Ken) of Indiana, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA.

There will be no funeral service.

Military services will be accorded by Blairsville VFW Post #5821 and American Legion Post #0407 at 7:00 P.M Thursday at the funeral home .