The family of Arthur Markel, 100, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders Military honors for their Hero, it will be our honor to do so.
Arthur Markel served in the Army in Company A, 20th Tank Battalion of the 20th Armored Division. Serving from January 9, 1943 to February 6, 1946 all in Germany and present for the end of the war announcement. Arthur earned the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Upon returning from his service in Germany, Art went directly back to Chicago, knocked on Genevieve’s (Gene) door and six months later they were married.
Arthur Markel started his working career in Chicago as a journeyman on 2-color printing press. He worked at many positions, set up man, paper feeder, ink process. Art moved through the various stages of the printing process. His skills received high praise. Three winters in Chicago was enough for Art; he convinced Gene to move to California; joining his brother Jim Markel and wife and his sister Diana and her husband Donald Paradis. Art’s background was all it took. His first interview with Pacific Press in Vernon, California and he had his job – which he stayed for the duration of his working career. When Art retired, he was press foreman of a six-color press (the latest and greatest in printing). Art’s pride of workmanship was displayed every month in Sunset Magazine, Time, Newsweek, Motor Trend, Life; just to name a few. Art and Gene’s dream of owning a home was fulfilled, buying a home in La Mirada, California. Gene and Art were a great construction crew – building a brick patio, patios front and back, brick walkways, covered overhangs. Gene, his wife, made all the drapes in the house, which were of professional quality. They were a great team.
The example of their devotion to each other, work ethic, commitment to community were inspirational to Diana’s (sister) family, Steve and Jeff (Art’s nephews).
On the community side of Art’s life – he was one of the founders to start the VFW Post 9148 in La Mirada, California. Art was always a dedicated veteran for the United States of America. He planned the various Veteran’s Day programs for the City of La Mirada (until age got in the way), organizing guest speakers for the Mayor, color guards, etc. He was always dedicated toward honoring our veterans. Art’s patriotism was only surpassed by his lend-a-hand generosity and his pride in being the best example of a United States citizen.
Art has one brother James G. Markel and one sister Diana Dravillas (now Diana Paradis), brother-in-law Donald Paradis; two nephews Steven Paradis and family and Jeff Paradis and family. His sister Diana and her family are the only living survivors.
Art was married to the love of his life and was married for almost 60 years before her death. She is buried at the National Cemetery in Riverside where Art will be buried next to her.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time table for Monday, 14 AUG 17:1215-Stage at Riverside National Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery 22495, North of Staging Area 8
https://goo.gl/maps/m15sKHa4TdQ21230-Briefing
1300 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service & Military Honors
R/C Clint "Smurf" Martin
So Cal PGR Ride Captain
lltk@sbcglobal.net
951-505-6362Do not follow where the path may lead...Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-Courage
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely
