SERGEANT JOSEPH P. MARKWELL
ID 2775
SDPD 07/23/1979 - 09/18/1999
12/13/1940 - 04/09/2025

 April 9, 2025, Joseph Patrick Markwell, a cherished family man, devoted 
police officer, and patriotic Marine, passed away in Oro Valley, Arizona. 

Joe was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on December 13, 1940. 

His life was characterized by strength, service, and an unyielding dedication to duty. Joe spent three tours in Vietnam throughout his twenty years in the US Marine Corps. Before retiring in 1979, he advanced to the rank of Master Sergeant and served as a drill instructor, molding many Marines with discipline and determination. 

Following his military service, Joe continued his dedication to public service 
by joining the San Diego Police Department. Over two decades with the 
department, he rose to the rank of Sergeant before retiring in 1999. Among 
his many contributions was authoring the manual for Volunteer Police 
Officers—a guide that became instrumental in establishing volunteer 
programs across numerous states. Their leadership and foresight left a 
lasting impact on community policing efforts nationwide.

Joe was preceded in death by his son Steven Glenn Markwell and later found 
love with his wife Gail Miller Markwell, married June 1999 Joe is survived by 
his wife Gail, his brother Michael and sister-in-law Barbara; his daughter Kimberly Markwell Hansen, son-in-law Don Hansen, four grandchildren, Jarrod, Melissa, Angela and Kelsey. His six great-grandchildren, Jacob, Charlee, Ireland, Jasper, Dakota and Siena carry on his legacy. Joe’s devotion to family was as 
steadfast as his commitment to country and community. 
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