Dalton “Butch” Gene Markwardt, 74, of Fairfield, TX, passed away December 10, 2017 at his home after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born November 19, 1943 between Bynum and Malone, TX on what was called the Muesse place, to parents Edward and Norma (Schulze) Markwardt. He was the 5th of 6 children.

Dalton graduated in 1962 from Bynum High School and later attended Junior College in Athens.

Dalton married Sandra Ann Dyer on April 11, 1965.

He was drafted into the army in 1966 and served 2 years, being stationed briefly in Georgia and then in Germany.

Dalton and Sandra welcomed their first daughter Pamela Ann on April 11, 1968 on their 3rd wedding anniversary. On July 15, 1970 their 2nd daughter Teresa Gail was born.

During these years Dalton worked at 1st National Bank in Corsicana and as a carpet layer while living in Malakoff. While living in Malakoff, they welcomed their son Scott Allen on January 10, 1980. Around 1981, Dalton started working at Big Brown in Fairfield and worked as a fuel mechanic.

The Markwardt family moved to Fairfield in 1981 where they built their family home and welcomed their 4th child, Kyle Wayne on March 08, 1983.

Dalton continued to work for Big Brown for 24 years, retiring in 2006. In his spare time, he loved throwing horseshoes, playing dominoes, gardening and singing karaoke.

Dalton is survived by Sandra, his wife of 52 years, daughter Teresa Schmidt and husband Wesley of Cuero, Scott Markwardt of Fairfield and Kyle Markwardt and wife Chassidy of Fairfield.

Grandchildren – Alicia Bonner (Kenneth), Amanda Armstrong (TJ), Kelly Armstrong, Tisha Fiscus (Jeremy), Brittany Lashbrook (Matt), Courtney Bumpass (Russell), Mikhaila Rodriguez, Amersyn Markwardt and Waverly Markwardt.

Great grandchildren – Haylee Harcrow, Riley Armstrong, Bryson Bonner, Kenlee Bonner, Kaylie Lehman, Kyndal Fiscus, Karlee Fiscus, Saige Lashbrook and Jedidiah Lashbrook and great great granddaughter Kinslee Harcrow.

Two brothers and two sisters – Arthur (Jo) Markwardt, Adelle Paul, Roy (Glenda) Markwardt and Linda Neal as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law Betty “Patsy” (Muesse) Dyer of Fairfield, brother-in-law’s Kenneth Dyer (Sondra) of Corsicana and Gary Dyer (Beverly) of Corsicana and in-law Joan Schmidt of Waco.

Dalton was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Norma Markwardt, one brother Edward Markwardt, one daughter Pamela Markwardt Armstrong and father-in-law RC Dyer.

Visitation was Tuesday December 12th from at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home 450 East Main Street Fairfield, TX 75840.

Visitation was held Wednesday December 13th at Griffin-Roughton prior to the burial at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to Virginia’s Hospice at 12947 Lake Conroe Hills Drive Ste C & D, Willis, TX 77318 and indicate in honor of Dalton Markwardt.

An online guest book is available at http://www.griffin-roughton.com

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.