LMM mourns the loss of The Honorable Richard Markus, former Ohio Court of Appeals Judge and Chief Justice, and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with his wife of 69 years, Carol, and his children, Susan, Scott, Kent, and his family and friends.
Judge Markus and his wife Carol were inducted into LMM’s Founder’s Circle earlier this year. Together they made an impact in the lives of LMM residents and participants in many ways.
Judge Markus began his involvement with LMM in the late 1970s. He joined the LMM Board of Directors and the program board for Community Re-Entry. In his impressive career on the bench and as a professor of law at Harvard, CSU and CWRU, he was recipient of many awards and accolades, but one of his most treasured was the LMM Peacemaker Award.
Through the years, he made generous donations to LMM, especially in the area of Housing & Shelter. Gifts included a shuttle for the Men’s Shelter at 2100 Lakeside, a renovation of the Shelter counseling room, funding for shared affordable housing, and much more. As early as two weeks ago, he gifted suits to shelter residents for job interviews. He remained active, attending an LMM event with Carol earlier this month.
Judge was a friend and confidant of LMM’s Founder, the late Richard Sering. Together as Lutherans and supporters of social justice, they made an impact on their corner of the world by helping the oppressed, forgotten and hurting. In a small memorial service over the weekend, Richard Sering’s son, Michael, spoke of Judge Markus’ commitment to LMM.
Judge’s kindness and respect for everyone he met, regardless of life circumstances, made him a gem. He will be missed by his LMM family.
