JACKSON — Peter J. Markow Sr., 79, died peacefully at his home Thursday, June 11, 2009.

Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Monday, June 15, 2009, at St. Richard’s Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan, and his eight children, Susan (and Scott) Skipper of Vicksburg, Pete (and Jenny) Markow Jr. of Jackson, Greg (and Mary Ball) Markow of Jackson, Paul (and Charlotte) Markow of Huntsville, Ala., Carolyn (and Morgan) Billingsley of Nesbit, Miss., Cathy Markow White of Clinton, Carl (and Michele) Markow of Madison, and Mary (and Hap) Harrington of Southaven, Miss. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Pete was born Oct. 24, 1929, in Syracuse, N.Y. He spent many years in the retail business, starting Allied Purchasing Corp., Syracuse, followed by the Emporium in Jackson and ending with the Wallpaper Warehouse, also in Jackson. Pete loved his family first and foremost, his church, and he was also an avid Ole Miss sports fan and especially enjoyed football.

The family wishes to thank Sister Beata, and Hopsice Ministries for their loving care during his illness. Memorials may be made in Mr. Markow’s memory to St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 1242 Lynnwood Drive, Jackson, MS, 29206 or to Catholic Charities, 200 N. Congress St., Jackson, MS, 39201.