William (Bill) Markgraf, 78, of Midland,Texas went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, October 19, 2003, after a long and very courageous fight with Parkinson's disease. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at Resthaven Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at the Crestview Baptist Church in Midland with Dr. John Gerlach, pastor, officiating. His body will lie in state on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at the funeral home. He was born on July 12, 1925 to Raymond Markgraf and Alice Burkhart Markgraf, and resided in Midland, Texas since 1952. He was married to Cora Bradshaw on August 2, 1945, in Chapel Hill North Carolina. He served his country in the US Marine Corp during WWII, and the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. He obtained a BS Degree in Geology, from the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill. He was employed as a geologist, with Signal Oil and Gas Co., Buffalo Oil Company, Cabot Corporation, and retired from Union Texas Petroleum Co. in 1985, as a district geologist. He was a charter member of Crestview Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, and enjoyed teaching younger preschool Sunday school for many years.Bill enjoyed many hobbies, which he loved to share with others. These included woodworking, photography, calligraphy and flying his private plane.He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Markgraf, and his mother, Alice Burkhart Markgraf. He is survived by his family whom he loved dearly. Survivors include his wife; Cora Ann Markgraf of Midland, two sons and daughters-in-law, William Thomas Markgraf and his wife Connie of Irving, Texas and James and his wife Stephanie Markgraf of Midland; one daughter; Deborah Kay Cramer and her husband Scott of Midland, four grandsons; Brian Lee and Jeffery Allen Cramer, Jonathan Michael and Christopher James Isaac Markgraf, and one granddaughter; Kari Lynn Markgraf. The family is requesting memorials be sent to Crestview Baptist Church Building Program (3300 Thomas Midland, TX 79703), or to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., (1501 N.W. 9th Avenue/Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 3313).The family would also like to express thanks to Dr. Guy Wells of Lubbock, Dr. John W. Foster, Dr. Richard G. Reese, and the Midland Surgical Associates for their compassionate care during Bill's illness. Pallbearers will be: Ricky Davis, Ken Bradshaw, Bruce Williams, A. E. "Slim" Simmons, Brownie Dickenson, Gene Shelburne. Honorary Pallbearers are the deacons of Crestview Baptist Church.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
