Richard Dye Markins, age 88, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed on March 10, 2026 in Portage, Michigan. He was born September 28, 1937 in Tucson, Arizona to Chester Arthur Markins and Gladys Ruth Dye.

He grew up in Tucson and enlisted in the Army in 1961 where he was trained as a communications specialist at Fort Riley, Kansas. He worked as a bricklayer in Arizona, Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

He enjoyed his friendships and car shows with the Winnemac Old Auto Club and he always had a car in the garage in need of restoration. No matter where he traveled, he could always be spotted in his veterans cap and pocketing a few extra coffee creamers at the local gas station.

He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Gladys; his wives JoAnn (Gullick) and Teena (Russell); his siblings Jerry, Gordon, Jimmy, Joanna, and Sue; his cousin Buddy; and his good friend Matt.

He is lovingly remembered by his children Cynthia Ann Markins and Devin Markiis; his stepson Thad Russell; granddaughter Jade (Mackenzie) Evans; great grandchildren Myles and Micah Evans; cousins Dottie and Marguy; nephews Ray and Mark, his significant other Donna Newton; and his beloved 1984 Cadillac Biarritz Convertible aka Big Red.

Charitable donations in his memory could be made to support homeless veterans or animal welfare.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Richard’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Markins family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.