Richard Dye Markins

Richard Dye Markins, age 88, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away on March 10, 2026 in Portage, Michigan. Born on September 28, 1937 in Tucson, Arizona, he was the son of Chester Arthur Markins and Gladys Ruth Dye.

He grew up in Tucson and enlisted in the Army in 1961, training as a communications specialist at Fort Riley, Kansas. He later worked as a bricklayer in Arizona, Chicago, and Northwest Indiana. Richard cherished his friendships and the many car shows he attended with the Winnemac Old Auto Club. He was rarely without a project, always keeping a car in the garage in need of restoration. Whether traveling near or far, he could be spotted wearing his veterans cap and quietly pocketing a few extra coffee creamers from the local gas station.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Gladys; his wives, JoAnn (Gullick) and Teena (Russell); his siblings, Jerry, Gordon, Jimmy, Joanna, and Sue; his cousin Buddy; and his good friend Matt.

Richard is lovingly remembered by his children, Cynthia Ann Markins and Devin Markiis; his stepson, Thad Russell; his granddaughter, Jade (Mackenzie) Evans; his great-grandchildren, Myles and Micah Evans; his cousins, Dottie and Marguy; his nephews, Ray and Mark; his significant other, Donna Newton; and his beloved 1984 Cadillac Biarritz Convertible, known as Big Red.