Carnegie Hero Calvin L. Markwardt Sr., died on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. He was 87.
Markwardt was born in Palacios, Texas, on May 2, 1937, to Herbert Carl and Amandie (Piel) Markwardt.
Markwardt was awarded the Carnegie Medal after he helped to save a mother, father, and their four children, along with 21 others, during the July 24, 1959, Hurricane Debra storm in Freeport, Texas. Rising waters trapped the family and others at a beach settlement on San Luis Island between the Gulf of Mexico and a connecting canal. Markwardt, then 22, and Frederick A. Palmer, Sr., then 61, volunteered to go to their aid in a 20-foot outboard motorboat as the winds increased to more than 100 m.p.h. Over eight hours, the rescuers made several trips back and forth from San Luis Island to a marina 4.5 miles away in heavy rain and rough seas, the boat carrying as many as 15 people at a time and often taking on water. At one point, Palmer stayed on the island to allow others to take his place on the boat. On the last trip to the island, wind conditions then were such that Markwardt could proceed only slowly, and three times the craft was blown backward. Finally making it to the beach, Markwardt and Palmer left with the last two people. Unable by that time to sight any landmarks, they missed the channel of the canal and proceeded over flooded land for about a mile until they got their bearings. At one time the boat tilted precariously and shipped much water. With difficulty they reached the marina.
Markwardt was an employee and part owner of Palmer’s Sporting Goods until 1979. At this time, he opened Calvin’s Marine, Inc. in Clute, Texas, where he continued in the marine business for another 30 years.
Markwardt was described as having a heart of gold. He was steadfast to his family and faith, never turning his back on others. Markwardt was involved in many organizations throughout his life in the Brazosport community.
Markwardt enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with family and friends. He worked in his garden and tended to his cows. His passion for boating, fishing, and maritime recreation never ceased.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Joanne Wilson; and sons, Calvin Louis Markwardt, Jr, and Barry Joe Markwardt.
Markwardt is survived by brother, Herbert Markwardt; sisters Shirley Veach, Norma Goodson, and Joyce Markwardt; children, David Markwardt and Karen McGehee; five grandchildren, Deana, Devan, Jamison, Shayne, and Amber; and five great grandchildren.