Dennis Lee “Denny” Markwell
Dennis Lee “Denny” Markwell, age 80, of Shelby, died on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the Crestwood Care Center. Denny passed just hours shy of his 81st birthday.
Denny was born October 29, 1944 in Shelby to the late Clyde and Virginia (Hall) Markwell. He spent his entire career at the Tuby working in facility maintenance, retiring in 2006 under the Copperweld ownership.
A huge fan of Shelby Whippet Football, Denny could be found in the end zone of the stadium, keeping a watchful eye on the game while talking to those around him. An avid Cleveland Browns fan, Denny rooted on the Brownies countless times in person and consistently on TV. Baseball and softball were always part of Denny’s life- coaching his sons during little league, watching Shelby Whippet Baseball, playing softball at the Waterworks field, or simply enjoying the Cleveland Indians/Guardians games. Denny also loved to bowl in his younger years. He enjoyed spending time fishing at local reservoirs.
Denny was a life member of many of the local clubs including: the Shelby AMVETS, Shelby FOE Aries #763, Shelby Moose, Shelby Owls, and the Shelby VFW where he was a member of DADS.
On September 18, 1989 Denny married Patricia Anne (Barnd) Markwell. Pat survives along with their children: Todd (Allyson) Markwell of Alabama, Lee (Sherry) Markwell of Georgia, Jennifer (Bryan) McBride of Mansfield, Randy Kennard of Shelby, Scott Kennard of Willard, and Nancy Kelley of Florida; grandchildren: Dustin (Bri) Markwell, Austin (Jalissa) Markwell, Tryston Garrigues, Riley Brown, Baylee Markwell, Reed Markwell, Kyla Harner, Michelle Johnson, Carson Markwell, Jordan Blount, Miah Henderson, Madaline Henderson, Brayden McBride, Kayla (Ian) Shoup, Noah (Cassie) Kennard, Cale (Lexi) Kennard, Meghan Kelley, and Michael Kelley; great grandchildren: Lyndon, Quinn, Jayden, Boone, Maverick, and Zoe; fur babies: Rascal and Zoe; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Denny was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Riddle, and daughter, Kim Kennard.
Calling hours and funeral services will be private at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, OH 44875. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Humane Society (adoptourstrays.com/donate/).
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
My condolences, to you Lee and your family.