Sherwin J. Markman, 94, passed away suddenly on October 16, 2023.
He is survived by his three children, Stephen (Peggy), Nicole, and Stacy (Michael); his stepdaughter, Vicki (Thomas); grandson, William; and step-grandchildren, Cameron, Katie, Kory, Kim, Cody, and Heather (Nathan). His brother, David (Linda) and their children were also part of Markman’s loving circle of family.
Markman was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Kathryn “Peggy” who died in 2022, her son Scott (Jeanie), Markman’s brother, Jerry, and Markman’s first wife, Marilyn.
Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Markman graduated from the University of Iowa followed by Yale Law School. He had a highly accomplished career as a trial lawyer, first in Iowa and then in Washington, DC; at Hogan and Hartson law firm where he was brought in as partner and, in the decades that followed, represented many high profile clients. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy once commented that Markman’s argument in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of his client, Howard Hughes, was the best oral argument he had ever heard. Markman’s colleagues remember his sage advice, warm smile, and relish for living.
As a young lawyer in Iowa, Markman became involved in Democratic Party politics, attending the national conventions a delegate from Iowa three times. He served as the state executive director for Governor Adlai Stevenson’s Presidential Campaign in 1956. He was deeply involved with the 1964 convention, along with Walter Mondale at the request of Lyndon Johnson. In 1965 he was tapped by LBJ to be Special Assistant to the President, moving the whole family to Washington, DC, to serve in the demanding position in the West Wing of the White House for three years.
His family at that time included his first wife, Marilyn, whom he had married in 1950 when he was 21 years old (a 26-year marriage) and his three young children.
Upon leaving the White House, LBJ wrote a glowing letter celebrating Markman’s patriotism and service.
Markman was also a prolific writer of fiction, nonfiction, essays and poetry. Three of his books were published: The Election (Random House), a fictional account of what could happen if no candidate received an electoral majority; Chief of Staff about W. Marvin Watson; and Lyndon Johnson Remembered. Markman continued to write every day until the end of his life; one of his articles was published just two weeks before his passing. In his later years Markman also gave many engaging lectures, including an interview aired on the PBS show “American Life” about his experiences in politics before and during the Johnson era.
After retirement, Markman lived aboard a sailboat for eight years, including crossing the Atlantic alone with his wife, Peggy. Markman had a serious intellect, but could also be lighthearted and full of fun. He loved to regale everyone with stories of his exciting adventures and impressive career. He had an inexhaustible curiosity, a keen sense of humor and his insight and integrity were apparent to all. Those who interacted with him always came away feeling better for it.
Markman’s recently written and self-proclaimed epitaph describes his continual exploration of life:
“Loved by and loved his family;
did most of what he could with what he had.”
Sherwin will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A celebration of life event will be scheduled at a future date.