In Loving Memory of Luke Markham

We lost a sweet, dear friend way too soon last week. We have known Luke all of our lives. He was Kyle's age, and they attended school together from Kindergarten through graduation.They were friends even after. In 2001, Kyle and Luke won the Wild Cow Milking at the West of the Pecos Rodeo, as mentioned in Luke's obituary.

Lucas "Luke" Doyle Markham was born on August 12, 1977 in Pecos, Texas to Eddy Markham and Carol King-Markham. He went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 17, 2011. Luke attended school in Pecos, Texas and graduated from Pecos High School in 1995. He continued his education and attended Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas, where he graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. After graduation, he moved to Midland, Texas, where he began employment with ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller. He later worked for Conestoga-Rovers and Associates, where he advanced to Senior Project Manager. At the time of his passing, Luke worked for Danny McNeese, of McNeese Field Services, Inc.

Luke was a devoted father, son, brother and friend. He loved his daughters, Cheyenne and Hailey, dearly and really enjoyed spending time with them. Luke will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Luke was always fun loving and enjoyed making others laugh. He was an athlete and sports enthusiast, having played football and participated in bull riding events during his high school years. He teamed up with friends and participated in the Wild Mare Race and Wild Cow-Milking events in the West of the Pecos Rodeo. He and his teammate won the Wild Cow-Milking event in 2001. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, fantasy football and NASCAR racing.

Luke began playing the guitar in high school and had a special talent for writing music. After moving to Midland, Luke further developed his love for music and expressed himself through song writing. Luke shared musical interests with three of his friends and together they formed the "Clay Henry Band" in 2001, with Luke serving as rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist. The band entertained at several places and events in the local area.

Luke is survived by his daughters, Cheyenne Markham and Hailey Grandi, of Midland, Texas; his mother, Carol King-Markham, of Pecos, Texas; his father, Eddy Markham, and wife, Linda, of Eden, Texas; his sister, Mechelle Testa, and husband, Danny, of The Colony, Texas; two half-sisters, Keely Burtscher and Mariann Imber and husband, Michael, of San Antonio, Texas; and his beloved girlfriend, Ashley Hughes, of Lamesa, Texas.

Luke was an amazing friend, and we will miss him dearly. He said if anything ever happened to him, he wanted On a Cloud played at his funeral, and it was. Toby Keith has always reminded me of Luke, so here's my song right back to him.