Paul Markham

The Reverend Dr. Paul Markham, 97, of Pasadena, California, formerly of Monroe, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 in Pasadena.

He was born in Batavia, New York on January 22, 1918. He was the son of Rev. Lucius S. and Ina (Graves) Markham. While he was growing up, his family lived in New York, California, Kansas, Colorado, Ohio, Texas, and Louisiana.

He earned degrees at John Tarlton College and Trinity University, both in Texas, and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Alma College in 1972.

He married Rowena Jane Walker of Chicago on August 15, 1942 in Saugatuck, Michigan. He served as pastor of the Fairgrove Presbyterian Church in Fairgrove, Michigan (1942-1945), North Park Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan (1945-1959), and the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe (Associate Pastor, 1959-1960, and Senior Pastor, 1960-1983). He retired in 1983 to Pasadena.

He is survived by a son, Lee (Faye) Markham of Monroe, a sister, Carol Holland of Albuquerque, NM, one grandson, Paul (Jody) Markham of Flat Rock, one step-grandson, Andrew Wax of Monroe, two nephews and a niece, one great-grandson and three step-great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his wife Rowena on October 8, 2013. He was active in many organizations during his ministry, including the Monroe Kiwanis Club, the Monroe Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Monroe Council of Churches.

The Reverend Markham was known in the Detroit area during the 1960s and 1970s for letters he wrote to WJR radio host Bud Guest, which were read on his program, "The Sunny Side of the Street." His letters were lighthearted commentaries on life, and he signed them as "The Poor Parson of Monroe," which was a takeoff on a character in the final chapter of Geoffrey Chaucer's epic series of poems, The Canterbury Tales.

A memorial service will be held at Monte Vista Grove Homes in Pasadena. His remains will be cremated, and burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Saugatuck, Michigan.