Jeffrey Thomas Markland 70 of Urbana died at 12:50 a.m. Monday, February 14, 2011. Mr. Markland died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children.

A memorial reception will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana.

Mr. Markland was born on December 12, 1940 at Burnham Hospital in Champaign, the son of Thomas Jefferson and Mary Louise Bell Markland. He married Wynn Margaret Williams (deceased) on October 4th, 1959 and they had three children together. Mr. Markland married Barbara Sue Clark on August 27, 1986 in Rantoul, she survives.

Also surviving are four sons; Jeffrey (Jill) Markland and Thomas Markland both of Urbana, Bryan Markland of Eugene, Oregon and Jimmy Hugh (Cheri) Clark of Albuquerque, New Mexico, two daughters; Jean (Joey) Markland Tatar of Rantoul and Shawna (Steve) Johnson of Fithian, nine grandchildren; Zachary Markland, Clory Figueroa, Jennifer Tatar, Gracie Tatar, Andrew Tatar, Isaac Markland, Stephanie Johnson, Theodore Johnson III and James Chidlaw and one great granddaughter; Zoey Markland.

Mr. Markland attended Dr. Howard Elementary and was in the graduating "Class of '59" at Champaign Central High School. He attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Mr. Markland returned to live in Champaign with his family to work for the family business, Markland's Painting. After some time he and his family moved to Urbana where he continued to work for Markland's Painting, which at this time had locations in both Champaign and Urbana. Mr. Markland served on the Urbana City Council from May 1, 1973, to April 30, 1977, and then as Mayor of Urbana from May 2, 1977, to May 3, 1993, to date being the longest serving mayor in Urbana's history. Mr. Markland worked on many boards and committees including being president of the Illinois Municipal League, a board member for the National League of Cities and served on the board for Prairie Center. His involvement with Prairie Center was very dear to his heart because Mr. Markland's father was one of three area men that started the Mustard Seed Program which later became Prairie Center. For the last ten years of Mr. Markland's professional career he worked for the State of Illinois in Springfield.

Mr. Markland was an avid golfer though out his adult life and spent his years of retirement doing what he loved most: swinging the irons, playing cards and sharing his many stories, smile and laughter with his loving family and friends.

Mr. Markland is remembered by his family, friends and colleagues as a loving husband, father and a great friend to many.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Prairie Center or Provena Hospice.