Thomas C. Marker, lost his brave battle with cancer on March 4, 2012, at his home, with his family, and his beloved black lab at his side. Tom was born July 22, 1932 in Rising City, NE. He grew in Los Angeles, California, where he graduated from high school. Tom learned to fly at the age of 15, and earned his student pilot's license with his father, Clyde, whom he admired and loved. His father passed away after Tom enlisted in the Navy at age 18. Tom was a patriot who loved his country and remained in contact with his best navy buddy, Bob Grissom, whom he met in San Diego, California, right after they enlisted. Tom served his active duty on the USS Bonn Homme Richard in Korea, as a flight deck mechanic. Just recently, with a twinkle in his eye, he'd share his navy stories with us. Tom married Janice Clarice Langland in 1952, and they had two daughters, Cindy, and Karen. They divorced 20 years later. After his girls were born, he worked at Pacific Telephone & Telegraph in Los Angeles, California. He started in the reproduction making blueprints, and worked his way to upper management, retiring at the age of 50 with full pension. After retirement he moved to Idaho Falls where he loved the country, fresh air, and fishing. Tom was a devout fan of John Wayne, and loved doing John Wayne impressions......We can still hear him saying, "I'm going to tell you one more time pilgrim".....He could recite every line of "True Grit" and could identify the subtle differences between the original movie and the remake. His love of westerns of all kinds never ended, and he would tease us when we were kids singing, "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" to us. He was truly a cowboy at heart. Tom's riveting blue eyes, gentle spirit and kindness touched everyone he met. He loved animals of all kinds and took his dog "Sassy" with him everywhere, and he loved his 3 cats. Tom loved his two grandchildren, Thomas and Laci, and was a big part of their lives, and adored his 3 great-granddaughters whom he loved giving collectible coins, so one day they could cash them in for college, or something of their choosing. They were a bright spot in his life and he loved them deeply. Our Dad and Grandfather will be deeply missed, but never forgotten, and we believe his spirit will live on in our hearts forever. He was loved, admired, and appreciated. Rest in peace our precious one. We all love you. Tom is survived by his two daughters; Cindy Watson (Robert) of Idaho Falls, and Karen Causey (Willie) of Idaho Falls; 2 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. Graveside Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2012, at the Iona Cemetery with Pastor Barbara Condon officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society c/o Krista Stafford 2920 N. 45 E. Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401.