Ronald Markey Obituary

MT. VERNON, Ill. - Ronald Francis Markey, 75, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, formerly of Carthage, passed away at 1:03 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Hospital in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

Ronald was born on Jan. 1, 1950, in Keokuk, the son of Lowell and Alberta (Murry) Markey. Ronald's father passed away, and his mother married Melvin Smith who became an excellent stepfather for Ron. On March 28, 1981, he was united in marriage to Beverly Jacoby-Fisk in Quincy, Illinois. Ronald had many jobs during his life; he was a factory worker, a highway maintainer, and a farmer, working full time and maintaining his 80 acre farm. When Ron and Bev began courting, they took numerous motorcycle trips on his Goldwing. They visited the Smokey Mountains, Washington DC, The Wing-Ding in Knoxville, Tennessee, and many other places on their weekend getaways. Ron proudly served in the US Army. He was a member of the 4th Division 2/8 Regiment B Co. during the Vietnam war. He was a track driver on the front lines, happily sitting on five flak jackets, "just in case". In 1999 Ronald took two weeks' vacation to begin building a new home on Carthage Lake. In these two weeks he was able to get it framed by himself. He then spent every free minute for the next six months completing it. He told Bev, "I'm building this for you". Ron and Bev rode horses for many years. They became a huge part of his children's childhood. He taught his daughters and son, Scott to break and ride. They went on many cross-country trail rides, rodeos and horse shows.

Ron is survived by his beautiful bride, Beverly; two daughters, Dr. Alysta (Dr. Jason) Sewell of Mt. Vernon, IL and Rev. Simone (EJ) Morrow of Mt. Vernon, IL. He is also survived by his one and only beloved granddaughter, Haley Sewell, one sister; Linda Gann of Carthage, IL, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Melvin Smith; two brothers, Tom and Larry Markey and his son, Scott Bergman.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 12,, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage. Burial will follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage with military rites by the US Army and Hancock County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. before the service at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Memorials may be directed to Vietnam Veterans of America or Tunnel to Towers Foundation. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the memorials. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.