Obituary of Larry Douglas Markey
Larry Douglas Markey was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 12, 1968. He was the son of Peter Markey and Judith (White) Markey. He spent the first nine years of his life in Pointe Place, Toledo, Ohio prior to the family moving to LaSalle. Larry attended St. Mary Catholic Central High School graduating with the Class of 1987. Although, he was notably nicknamed “Munchkin” by his father he inevitably would stand 6’10” and was the starting center for the Falcon basketball team. Larry was known to be a very coachable, gentle giant earning All Region Basketball Honors his Junior and Senior seasons. Larry’s hard work paid off as he attended the University of Toledo on a basketball scholarship.
His career spanned more than three decades as Larry started wrenching on cars while still in grade school, spending time in his Uncle Mel White’s Pointe Place repair shop. He earned numerous certifications becoming an ASE Master Automotive Technician. In addition to being employed at Mel’s, Larry worked at two different Belle Tire Stores, and for the Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Superstore.
Larry married the love of his life, the former Amy Marie Newbury on April 15, 2011, in St. Lucia. The couple was blessed with a daughter: Alayna Marie. Larry loved his family implicitly and they were most important to him. He was very supportive of Alayna’s volleyball interests and encouraged her to “Do Work and Focus”.
Larry had a great sense of humor. He did not embarrass easily and in fact enjoyed being silly to always keep Amy and Alayna on their toes. He truly was just a big, goofy kid. He was tough and tender-hearted with a warm and inviting laugh. Larry was very grateful for everything and anything. He had “Big Love” for all of those around him. He loved to spend time outdoors gardening, was an RC car enthusiast, and listening to music. Larry will always be remembered for his larger-than-life presence and unwavering dedication to optimism. He was a presence no matter where he went and could be counted on to make others laugh.
Larry had a strong, Christian faith with the family receiving their spiritual nourishment at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church for many years. His faith sustained and gave him peace at the darkest times even when his health failed him. His enthusiastic personality and unique attitude toward life will certainly be missed.
Larry Douglas Markey, age 54, of LaSalle passed into eternal life with Christ at 5:35am on Monday; June 19, 2023, at Promedica Skilled Care Nursing and Rehab and was under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. Though his disease brought him many years of suffering and uncertainty, Larry was never one to complain. His ability to endure his trials without self-pity was a peerless inspiration to all who knew him. Larry’s devotion to staying strong and live in spite of bad news was a testament to his lifelong faith in Christ. His passing was preceded by his parents: Peter and Judith Markey and a maternal aunt: Sherry Clark.
To cherish his memory, Larry leaves a beloved wife: Amy Marie Markey of LaSalle; his cherished daughter: Alayna Marie Markey of LaSalle; a maternal aunt: Vicky (James) White; a maternal uncle: Mel (Dawn) White; his mother-in-law: Linda Newbury; a sister-in-law: Jennifer Newbury; a brother-in-law: Ronald Newbury; nieces and nephews: Catherine Alvarez (Andrew Mull), Ava Mull, and Owen Mull; cousins: James “Jimmy” White, Lindsay White, Jennifer White, Kimberlee (Tyler) Fish, Elliott Fish, Lillian Fish, Madeline Fish, and Sean and Chris Patterson; numerous friends; and his four-legged companion, a Havanese, Frankie.
Friends may gather on Sunday; June 25, 2023, 1:00pm -3:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 3:00pm also at Merkle’s with Reverend David Arnold officiating. A wake will follow from 4:00pm until close at Sneaky Pete’s Saloon; 5347 North Detroit Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. All will be invited to share their memories of Larry with food and drink. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Markey Family to assist with funeral arrangements. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.