William Asa “Bill” Markland, 96, of Armstrong passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, at Glasgow Gardens in Glasgow.

Bill was born on the Collier family farm northeast of Armstrong, Missouri, on March 22, 1920, to Elvis Hardy “Jack” Markland and Minnie Ethel Collier Markland. He met Earline Howard while teaching in McFall, and they were married in nearby Fairfax on Dec. 27, 1942. She preceded him in death on August 11, 2002.

Bill graduated from Armstrong High School in 1937, and from Central College (now Central Methodist University) in Fayette, with a BS in Education in 1941. He later attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, and graduated with a Master’s in Education. He began his 37-year career in public schools as the superintendent in Prairie Hill, Missouri. He later taught and served as administrator in McFall, Harrisburg, Keytesville, Glasgow, and Fayette before retiring in 1978.

Having had a lifelong interest in politics, upon retiring from education, Bill immediately filed for election as State Representative of the 27th District. He devoted seven terms to serving the citizens of Howard County and neighboring Boone and Randolph Counties, and was chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee. He served on the Howard County Democrat Committee for over 60 years, represented Missouri as a delegate for Jimmy Carter at the National Democrat Convention in 1976, and participated in the Electoral College for the election of Bill Clinton in 1992. Upon retiring from the Legislature, Bill was appointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Board by Governor Mel Carnahan, and later to the Occupational Therapy Board.

Bill was a member of the Armstrong Baptist Church, serving as Sunday school teacher and superintendent for over 50 years. He served on the Howard County and Daniel Boone Regional Library boards, the Armstrong City Council, and the Howard County Economic Development Board. He was a member of the Fayette Rotary Club, was active in the Howard County Retired Teachers Association and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. Bill managed the family farm, a Missouri Century Farm, after the death of his father. Bill occupied his spare time with two hobbies; gardening and antiques. Throughout the years, many neighbors in Armstrong were the recipients of his homegrown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Bill grew up near the Martin family in Armstrong, owners of an antique shop. He spent time as a child on buying trips with the Martins, learning the ropes, the history and values. Bill and Earline eventually purchased Martin’s Antiques, and owned and operated Markland’s Antique Shop in Armstrong from 1963 to 2000. He became a resource and appraiser for the antique community statewide.

Bill is survived by three daughters and one son: Linda and Larry Frink, Fayette; Susan Donnelly, Fayette; Mary and Mark Jarboe, Fayette; and John and Leonette Markland, Fayette: eight grandchildren: Greg and Karen Frink, Fayette; Blaine and Chris Frink, Imperial; Matthew and Bahar Donnelly, Columbia; Anthony and Lisa Donnelly, Gladstone; Rebecca and Jake Bruton, Columbia; Seth Jarboe, Columbia; Maddison Markland, New Bloomfield; and Chelsea Wysocki, Fayette. He is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Earline, Bill was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Mike Donnelly.

Visitation was held at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 4-8 p.m. Services were held at the Armstrong Baptist Church on Friday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Harold Young officiating. Burial  followed the service at Walnut Hill Cemetery west of Armstrong. Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home of Fayette was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to the Bill Markland Memorial for the Fayette and Glasgow Schools, in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home; 174 Hwy 5 & 240 North; Fayette, MO 65248.