>Markham W. Thomas was born March 8, 1960, in Evanston, IL, the second of two sons of Charles R. Thomas Sr. and Ruth Marie Wilson Thomas, both of whom preceded him in death. From his early years, he possessed a deep love for people that was nurtured by his immediate and extended family. He spent his formative years in Glencoe, IL, and while attending the University of Kansas, he remained deeply involved in his faith through Second Baptist Church in Evanston and then later in life at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

>His upbringing, education, and community involvement laid the foundation for a 40-year career in media, advertising, and sales. Markham’s natural people skills helped him connect with individuals from all walks of life, establishing lasting relationships as both a colleague and a leader. His optimism and warmth earned him the respect and trust of those he encountered.

>His brother Charles R. Thomas Jr. remembers how, even as a child, Markham had a gift for making people feel at ease and was known for his easygoing nature and sharp sense of humor. These admirable traits were a part of Markham’s “smooth” demeanor that also revealed a “prankster spirit!” His jokes and puns provided smiles, chuckles, and the occasional eye roll, as his listeners would often shake their heads, saying “This man is crazy!” It would be a mistake, however, to characterize Markham solely as an extrovert. He had another, more sensitive side, capable of connecting with others at a much deeper level. That warmth helped him grow into a trusted family cornerstone, and that depth was most clearly seen in the way he mentored young men and built strong, supportive relationships with those close to him. A proud member of the Chessmen Club of the North Shore, Markham extended this same spirit of care and leadership into his community. He organized and led several community initiatives, continuing his lifelong commitment to connection, service, and mentorship.

>Markham created a special Daddy-Daughter world for him and Sydney, complete with coded language, silent gestures, and silly rituals that strengthened their bond. Markham often reminded her, “Remember who you are and whose you are,” a phrase that became a grounding truth throughout her life. Their relationship was built on deep love, mutual pride, and a shared sense of magic, from secret airport rituals to a joyful reverence for the Thomas name. Markham boasted proudly to anyone who would listen about Sydney and her accomplishments, but it was her character that made him beam the brightest. She was his light, and he was her best friend.

>Markham met Verdi (Tricie) Allen at a concert, and together they built a life full of mutual respect, adventure, and love. They traveled the world side by side, forming a partnership between two mature and successful adults, each fully capable of being loved and sharing love. Markham’s accepting and compromising nature opened space in their relationship for both to be truly valued for who they were, without the competitiveness that can so often challenge a marriage. He adored her and was deeply proud of the woman she is, often expressing his admiration for her career and her character. Likewise, Verdi supported Markham in every way, including helping to raise Sydney as her own, a gesture that meant the world to him. Her love kept him grounded, and their bond reflected a rare and steady kind of devotion.

>Markham’s sensitivity, compassion, strength, and gregarious personality leave an unforgettable legacy of love for all who know him that will surely stand the test of time.

>Markham W. Thomas leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife Verdi Tricie Allen-Thomas, his daughter Sydney A. Thomas, his brother Dr. Charles R. Thomas Jr. (Muriel), his aunts Alicia W. Kuykendall and Judge Mary Maxwell Thomas, his nephew Julian Franklin Thomas (Kelsey), his niece Aurielle Marie Thomas-Ross (Sam), his first cousins Dr. Stacy L. Thomas, Owen L. Thomas Jr. (Erica), Patricia Warner, Marena Ann Williams, William H. Kuykendall, Stephanie Verhamme, Carlton J. Houston, Lynette A.J. Manns, Royce S. Manns, and Marquise L. Manns; his second cousins Kole and Kyle Kuykendall, Odin Thurgood and Charles R. Thomas III, Naya Marie and Samara Thomas Ross, Nate Mosely, Juliana and Chloe Thomas, and a host of extended family and friends.

>In honor of his memory and lasting contributions, the Chessmen Club has established the Markham Thomas Memorial Fund, supporting scholarships, the Holiday Food Basket Program, and its ongoing service partnerships throughout Evanston.

>Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to this memorial fund to continue Markham’s legacy of giving. Please visit: https://www.chessmenclub.org/…

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