FRANK MARKEY

 The following bio was taken from page 298 of the book entitled “Rusk County History” compiled and edited and used with permission of the Rusk County Historical Commission.

 Transcribed by Shirley Koym

 Submitted by Gloria Briley Mayfield, Cemeteries of Texas

 Frank Henry Markey and his wife, Vernie Marie Theriot Markey, moved to Henderson in the early thirties from Eldorado, Arkansas.  They had met at a church social in 1927, claimed “love at first sight,” and were married August 19, 1929.

 Frank Henry Markey, son of James Arthur and Emily Markey, left his large family and their Victorian style home in Chillicothe, Missouri, to make his own way early in life.  Through a friend, Frank found himself caught up in the Smackover oil boom, which later gave interest to the new oil field being developed in East Texas in the early thirties.

 Frank moved to Henderson on September 9, 1930, and though conditions were crowded in the active boomtown, he soon brought his lively new bride to Rusk County.  The new Mrs. Markey was the daughter of Dr. Alex and Laura Marie Theriot.

 The Markeys found many friends in Rusk County, and though other opportunities would later prove lucrative, they loved the warmth and charm of this little community and chose to make it their permanent home.

 An independent oil operator, Frank Markey was also active in civic and community affairs.  He was particularly interested in conservation of this beautiful area – its forest and the planting of pine trees for the future generations.  He received recognition from the Texas Forestry Service in regard to his interest in soil and timber conservation over the years, and has been written about and pictured in several magazines.

 In October of 1942, he was chosen by the Texas Chamber of Commerce as Texas “Man of the Month.”  An article written in the “Henderson Dailey News” about the coveted honor states:  “In the October issue of EAST TEXAS, official publication of the East Texas Chamber of Commerce, Frank H. Markey, of Henderson, is featured as “Man of the Month.”  As the Rusk County Chamber of Commerce Vice-President in charge of agriculture development, this oilman has found the civic job he likes to do.  No mere name on a letterhead was this vice president, says EAST TEXAS MAGAZINE and goes on to tell in detail of such noteworthy achievements as spearheading the Henderson Pickle and Cannon Company and the farmer’s co-op American Creameries and Cold Storage Company, Inc. Centering the page feature is a picture of the Henderson man.”

 The magazine article also went on:  “Frank helped to organize the Henderson Rodeo and Horse Show Association and acted as its secretary-treasurer.  He was president of the board of sponsors for the local Camp Fire Girls, and is now an active member of the board.  Like many others now, he is a member of the Texas Defense Guard (Captain) and takes his first aid along with the rest of the boys.

 “A Catholic, he found no church of his faith in Henderson.  He was chairman of the building committee which built a church.  He serves as a church trustee…as a father, smilingly he says he wants his community to be a fit place for them to grow up in and in which to marry.”

 Frank and Vernie Markey had four children.  Norma Marie Markey was born November 1, 1931.  She graduated from college with a major in education and a minor in music.  Norma represented Rusk County as a Duchess in the Tyler Rose Festival and as a representative at the Kilgore Oil Jubilee.

Barbara Ann Markey was born to this couple on November 2, 1936.  A 1955 graduate of Henderson High School, she had, among other honors, been awarded the American Legion Award in 1952, was voted “Best All-Around Girl” and was Senior Head Cheerleader, as well as Junior High and High School Cheerleader for six years.  Barbara married Travis Laverne Crim, son of Bernard Laverne and Marie Earl (Butler) Crim, on June 29, 1957.  (See Laverne Crim Family.)

 Travis and Barbara had two sons born to them:  Travis Frank Crim, who was born on his maternal grandfather’s birthday, December 17, 1959.  His brother, Kevin Blaine Crim, was born five years later on February 24, 1964.

 The third daughter of Frank and Vernie Markey was christened Maureen Vernie Markey, born March 6, 1942.  Though she studied ballet and tap dancing for fourteen years, she extended her vocal talents and has enjoyed many accolades as a result.  Maureen married Phillip John Brodnax in 1963 and had three children:  Brett Phillip Brodnax, born September 29, 1964; Heather Marie Brodnax, born April 14, 1971; and Collin Christopher Brodnax, whose  birthday is September 25, 1973.

 A son was finally born to the proud parents, Frank and Vernie, on April 28, 1943.  He was named Frank Henry Markey II.  He graduated from Henderson High School in 1961, was a member of the corps and a graduate of A&M University.

 The Markey’s celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in August of 1979 and have resided in Henderson for over fifty years.

 Submitted by Barbara Markey Crim