Calvin L. Markwardt, 22, salesman, helped to save William P. Skinner, Sr., 29, realtor, his wife and four children, and others during a hurricane, Freeport, Texas, July 24, 1959. When rising waters caused by hurricane Debra trapped the Skinners and others at a beach settlement on San Luis Island between the Gulf of Mexico and a connecting canal, Markwardt and Frederick A. Palmer, Sr., volunteered to go to their aid in a 20-foot outboard motorboat. During the rescue efforts, which lasted about eight hours, the wind increased to hurricane velocity, with gusts of over 100 m.p.h. and with heavy rainfall. From a marina 4.5 miles away the two men, with Markwardt piloting the boat, proceeded along the canal to the beach settlement. They took the six members of the Skinner family and five other persons back to the marina and then returned to the beach, the wind creating increasingly rough water in the canal. With 14 persons aboard for the second trip, Palmer decided to wait at the beach rather than overload the boat further. On the way back to the marina the boat began shipping water from five foot waves, but Markwardt delivered the occupants safely and once more started back to the beach. Wind conditions then were such that he could proceed only slowly, and three times the craft was blown backward. Because some persons had decided to remain in the most substantial of the beach houses, Markwardt and Palmer left with the last two persons. 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 at the height
44815-4338
Obituary
Calvin Louis Markwardt Sr., age 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, August 2, 2024. Calvin was born in Palacios, Texas on May 2, 1937, to Herbert Carl Markwardt and Amanda Piel Markwardt.
He graduated from Brazosport High School in 1955, and married his wife, Joanne Wilson on July 2, 1955. The two were married 63 years until her death in 2019. To the marriage, four children were born, Calvin Jr., David, Barry, and Karen.
Calvin was a man of great integrity. He was steadfast to his family and faith. He had a heart of gold, never turning his back on those in need, be it family or friend. Even though he had a tough exterior, he was a man of compassion and always willing to lend a hand. Calvin was involved in many organizations throughout his life in the Brazosport community. He enjoyed his many fishing and hunting trips with family and friends. Other pastimes included working in his garden and tending to his cows.
Calvin was an employee and part owner of Palmer’s Sporting Goods until 1979. At this time, he opened Calvin’s Marine, Inc. in Clute, where he continued in the marine business for another 30 years. His passion for boating, fishing and marine recreation never ceased. He was able to solve or diagnose any motor issue, and always kept the public on the water.
He was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church of Freeport and later at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Lake Jackson. Calvin enjoyed bringing his BBQ pit and assisting with the annual Church BBQ, enjoying all the fellowship with other parishioners.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, Virgil Markwardt, Sons, Calvin Louis Markwardt, Jr, and Barry Joe Markwardt, and daughter-in-law Mitzi Dean Markwardt.
Survivors include children, David Markwardt and Karen (Ken) McGehee, grandchildren, Deana Markwardt, Devan Markwardt, Jamison Keith, Shayne (Lesley) McGehee and Amber (Clayton) Bock. His Great granddaughter, Saylor Keith and great grandsons Hunter and Reed McGehee, Jase and Caleb Bock. Brother, Herbert Markwardt, Sisters, Shirley Veach, Norma (Dave) Goodson, and Joyce Markwardt. Special friend Benny Lewis (Jori), and many special nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.
Calvin will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.