Rodney (Bubba) Markum, age 73, of Rockwell City, IA, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 8, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.
Rodney Daniel Markum was born December 4, 1948, to parents JB (Jack) Jr. and Dolores (Gibson) Markum in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was raised in the Sierra Mountains of California and later moved to Iowa in 1994.
He worked as a heavy equipment operator and foreman for PG & E while in California. After moving to Iowa, he worked for Irving F. Jensen until his retirement. In his spare time, he was a mechanic, did tree work, farmed, and did various other jobs.
Rodney was drafted into the United States Marine Corps on December 4, 1969, through 1971. He served in the 29 Palms Light Air Missile Battalion. He served in Okinawa, 3rd Marine Division, and drove boats down the coast of Okinawa and Vietnam to clear brush and trees with flamethrowers. During his service, he received a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge as well as a National Defense Service Medal.
Rodney loved motorcycles, antiques and antique cars, riding bulls, country music, and spending time with his family and friends. His hobbies were fishing, playing dominoes and 42, working on his 1950 Ford Coupe, working on his motorcycles, and going to rodeos. Rodney always loved helping others, whether it be helping mow a lawn for a neighbor, helping someone move, get to doctor appointments, or just being there to lend a listening ear.
Those left to cherish his memory include a son: Jesse (Kellee) Barnett of Alta IA; grandsons: Shawn, Gabriel, and Weslee Barnett; dear friend Patty Walters; brother: Mike Nessler; sister: Sue Nessler, stepfather: Herb Nessler; aunts: Karen Markum, Louise, and Nancy; uncles: Paul Markum and Jimmy Ford; a niece and nephew; and many cousins.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents JB (Jack) Markum Jr. and Dolores Nessler; brothers: Steven Conrad Markum and Jerry Robert Markum.
