Edward B. Markwardt, 88, of Zephyrhills passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born 10/26/1926 in Herkimer, NY the son of the late Louis F. Markwardt and Clara Mower. He attended Mohawk Central School graduating in the class of 1944. He attended St Bonaventure University while participating in the ROTC program. Upon leaving St Bonaventure he entered the US Army and served in WWII and Japan, Okinawa and Korea attaining the rank of lst Sergeant, He was honorably discharged on December 1, 1946. His marriage to Betty Jane Covey took place on March 27, 1948 at Christ Luthern Church , Little Falls, NY. After completing his military service he entered into the business world including many years in auto sales and ownership having cofounded Eastern Auto Mall in Ilion, NY and Empire Chrysler Plymouth in Little Falls, NY. For the last 25 years he has resided in Zephyrhills, FL and founded Southern Bowlers Supply. He was a 67 year member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a charter member of the SR Professional Bowlers Tour. He was a youth bowling coach for almost 2 decades. Many local youth considered him to be a mentor and friend. He was a lifetime member of the Crowley Barnum American Legion, The Elks Lodge and VFW. He is survived by his wife, Betty Covey Markwardt; daughter, Marsha and son in law, James Mileski of Bordentown, NJ; son, Edward and daughter in law Nancy Markwardt of Wesley Chapel, FL; Granddaughters, Lisa Quackenboss and her husband, William, Trisha Jane Meyer and her husband, Paul of Chesterfield, NJ; grandsons, Adam Markwardt, Blair Markwardt and Drew Markwardt of Zephyrhills, FL; great grandchildren, Shane and Brett Meyer, Grace and Gwen Quackenboss of Chesterfield NJ; brother, Frederick Markwardt and wife Kathy of Mohawk, NY; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sons, Louis and Wayne Markwardt. Services took place in Zephyrhills, FL.Hodges Family Funeral Home 36327 Hwy 54 Zephyrhills, Fl 33541 813-788-6100