Carson “Poppy” D. Markle, 87, died peacefully June 23, 2019. He was married to his high school sweetheart, the late Virginia R. Markle. They were married for 61 years. He was the son of the late Victor and Gladys Markle, of Emmaus.

From 1950 to 1953 he served in the U.S. Marine Corps - 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion Easy Company, during the Korean War, fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir and received three Bronze Stars.

He worked as a driver for Bond Bakery and salesman for Speedmark Janitorial Supplies, before settling into a career as a bartender. Known as the “Best Bartender in the Lehigh Valley,” back in the day most would say he made a “mean” drink.

He was a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan. His one wish was to experience one Super Bowl win before he left this earth. In 2018, his wish finally came true. “Fly Carson fly.”

He is survived by sons, Jeffrey, husband of the late Lisa Markle, of Macungie, Scott, of Bethlehem; daughters, Robin and her husband, Victor LaPadula, of Catasauqua, Lisa and her husband, Joe David, of Walnutport; grandchildren, Matthew Lapdula, Greta Smith, Hannah Ulecka, Jessica Palencar, Ally Wall, Kathryn and Joshua David, Melissa, Carli and Ava; great-grandchildren, Emma and Caleb Smith, Norah Ulecka, Parker Palencar. He was predeceased by a brother, Victor “Speedy.”

Contributions of time or money can be made in his memory to the Semper Fi Fund or to the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance.

Services are private. Arrangements were made by the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Emmaus.