Robert "Bob" Lee Markley, 97, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with his family by his side.

Born on November 22, 1927, in Goshen, Indiana, Bob was the son of the late Lee E. and Madge M. (Riley) Markley. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jean (Harper) Markley—his best friend, true love, and favorite dancing partner. They married on May 14, 1955, in Plymouth, Indiana, after meeting at the Moose Lodge. Now reunited, they are dancing together once again to their favorite big band melodies.

Bob is survived by his loving daughters: Linda (Norman) Bryan, Jean (Brian) Morse, Dr. Barbara Markley (Alex Colella), and Peggy (Andy) Graves. He is also survived by his brother Roger Markley, sister Audrey Wenger, and sister-in-law Betty Markley. He was preceded in death by his brother Davey Markley.

A graduate of Goshen High School, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and continued to serve for 10 years in the Navy Reserves, where he shared his knowledge of residential electricity with fellow reservists. After his military service, he worked as a mechanic at the Oldsmobile Cadillac dealership in Goshen before retiring from Miles Laboratory (now Bayer), where he worked for 26 years as a machinist on the One-A-Day and Alka-Seltzer production lines.

Bob was a member of the Goshen City Church of the Brethren and actively involved in several organizations, including the Dunlap Lions Club, Elkhart Vintage Auto Club, and the Moose Lodge in Goshen.

In his free time, Bob loved being outdoors—traveling (especially to National Parks), gardening, bike riding, and fishing with his brother Roger and son-in-law Andy. A lifelong tinkerer, he enjoyed restoring his 1954 Plymouth Crane and showcasing it at local antique car shows. He was an avid radio controlled airplane enthusiast and his airplane models were meticulously handcrafted to perfection. Bob had a fondness for classic westerns, MASH, The Andy Griffith Show, The Lawrence Welk Show, and cheered faithfully for Notre Dame and Indiana University sports.

A motorcycle enthusiast throughout his life, Bob found joy in the freedom of the open road and spent many weekends riding in local poker runs with Mary by his side.

Quiet and humble, Bob was known for his warm sense of humor, which he carried with him to the very end. He will be deeply missed by his family.

A private family visitation and graveside service with military honors will be held in his memory.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Goshen Cancer Center, 200 High Park Ave, Goshen, IN 46526.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.