John Leslie Markins, 83, passed peacefully from this life into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 2, 2026. Born on March 2, 1942, in Peebles, Ohio, John lived a life marked by faith, devotion to family, hard work, and service to others. On July 1, 1966, John married the love of his life, Diana English. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, and family, first in Decatur, Illinois, and later in Texas. This July, they celebrated 60 years of marriage—a remarkable testament to their enduring love and
commitment.

Known as "Johnny" to family and friends, he spent much of his childhood in the hills and hollers of Kentucky with his mother and his two brothers, Jay and Jimmy. The boys shared countless adventures together, creating stories that became treasured family memories. One of Johnny's favorite tales involved accidentally sending his stepfather's car over a cliff while attempting to clear a narrow mountain road for oncoming traffic, an event retold with laughter for years to come.

During a summer church camp before his senior year of high school, Johnny made the life-changing decision to place his faith in Jesus Christ. That commitment became the foundation of his life. After graduating from McKell High School, he volunteered to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. As a cryptologist stationed in Turkey, he faithfully carried out his duties with honor. During his military service, he was granted the extraordinary privilege of returning home aboard President Lyndon B. Johnson's aircraft to attend his grandmother's funeral. He completed his military service with an honorable discharge. After leaving the Air Force, John moved from Kentucky to Illinois, where he met Diana. She declined his first three invitations for a date, but Johnny's persistence paid off. Diana knew their relationship was something special when he entrusted her to drive his prized 1965 Pontiac GTO home by herself.

Following the birth of their first child, John pursued higher education while working full-time at Firestone. Through determination and perseverance, he earned his degree in accounting from Eastern Illinois University. His education led to a successful career with Caterpillar in Decatur and later with the South Texas Nuclear Project in Texas. Throughout his years in Decatur, he also faithfully served as a deacon at Tabernacle Baptist Church, reflecting his lifelong commitment to serving God and others.

John found joy in many pursuits. He loved cars and motorcycles, was a lifelong fan of Kentucky basketball, enjoyed BMX racing, and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren in their activities. He was especially gifted with his hands, spending countless hours woodworking, restoring automobiles, and remodeling homes. Over the course of his life, he completely renovated five homes in and around the Decatur area, leaving each one better than he found it.

John is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Diana; his children, Joy Hein (Greg), John Markins (Jenny), and Jessica Schimmoeller (Eric); his grandchildren, Nicholas Hein (Noelle Hernandez), Landin Markins, Claytin Markins, Matilynn Markins, and Sydney Schimmoeller; and his great-grandchildren, Parker Hein, Riley Hein, and Emelia Hernandez.

He was preceded in death by family members who welcomed him into the presence of the Lord.

John will be remembered for his quick wit, infectious sense of humor, unwavering faith in Christ, steadfast work ethic, and servant's heart. More than anything, he loved God and cherished his family, leaving a legacy of faith, integrity, and love that will continue through the generations. Though he will be deeply missed, those who knew and loved him find comfort in the promise that, because of his faith in Jesus Christ, this farewell is only temporary.

Service is 1:00 pm, on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St., with calling two hours prior beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will take place following the service at Oak Grove Cemetery of Columbia City, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Parkview Hospice. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com