John Francis Makle Sr., 83, Brandywine

John Francis “Frank” Makle Sr., 83, of Brandywine died of natural causes Nov. 30, 2012, at Civista Medical Center, La Plata.

Born Nov. 24, 1929, he was the son of the late Hayden and the late Elizabeth Bowman Makle.

Mr. Makle attended the St. Mary’s Colored School in Bryantown.

On Feb. 27, 1954, he married Bernice Turner. They lived in Malcolm and had three children.

In June 1951, he began his career at the Naval Ordnance Station, Indian Head, as a powder and explosives worker. After 35 years of exemplary service, he retired as an explosive operations leader in June 1986. After his retirement, he worked an additional 20 years at Wellington Manor Nursing Center, Clinton.

The most defining experience of his life was his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. As he always said, “I broke the sound barrier” upon joining in August 1951 as a member of one of the first integrated units in the Corps. He shared countless stories of his time at Parris Island and around the world, impressed his nephews with his physical strength even as an “old man,” and cherished the life-long friendships he made in the Corps.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Leroy, James “Big,” Eugene “Genie,” Joseph “Bun,” Paul and Lillian.

He is survived by his children, John “Lucky” Makle Jr., Marva and Melody; grandchildren, Yolanda, Kristopher and Malik Briscoe; great-grandchildren, Michael Canerdy, Aleksis Canerdy, and Leiyhana and JaCoree Stennett; brothers, Russell “Cop” and Charles “Bug”; son-in-law, Mark Smith; sisters-in-law, Lillian, Ethel, Rachel and Francis; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. with prayers at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and from 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Baden. The Rev. Thomas Gude will officiate. Burial will take place at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham.

Arrangements are being handled by Adams Funeral Home, Aquasco.