George Kenneth Makler

George Kenneth “Ken” Makler, age 78, of Gulfport, passed away on February 14, 2022.

Ken a native of Granite City, Illinois, and a resident of Gulfport.  He was a Merchant Marine and had many other jobs, such as a grip man and had bit parts in some movies.  He was friends with E.G. Robinson and many others.  Ken received the Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, Expert sharpshooter with the M-16 rifle and M14 rifle.  His First award was two Purple Hearts, two Bronze medals, one Silver Star medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm unit citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, First Class unit citation.  Ken Helped many young and scared soldiers during his service.  He was a major part of our Country’s efforts.

Ken loved fishing, boxing, baseball, and all animals, especially his dogs, cats, and tropical birds.  Ken was a spiritual person and was of the Baptist faith when he was young.  He was a Godly person and a Christian.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn P. Makler and Harold George Makler; and his brother, Harold Keith Makler.

Ken is survived by his siblings, G. John Makler (Jessie), Sharon Makler Lyons Blanchard, and Karen  Makler Lyons (Tony); his nieces and nephews, Terri M. Reich (Mark), Melissa M. Sellers (Harold), Andrew S. Makler (Elizabeth), Amy Kristina Makler, Edward A. Lyons (Sheila), Stephanie L. Radcliff (Greg), Clayton L. Lyons II (Melissa), Ellis L.  Lyons (Angie), Caroline L. Jacobs (Myron) , Bethany M. Crawford, Tara Edwards, and Valerie Lord (Hunter);  special cousins, Harold and Maggie Saucier, Danielle D. Saucier, Kenny and Timmy Saucier;  his aunt, Hulda M. Black; and many other cousins; great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews..

The family would like to thank all the people that helped with Ken and those that provided comfort for him in his stay at the Biloxi VA, entire staff at Building “15” and the staff at the hospital were very considerate and helpful with Ken while in their care.  The family would like to also thank an outstanding person that was instrumental in getting Ken in the VA facility.  This young man was totally devoted to Ken and his name is Ricardo Bolton, Ken’s social worker.  We were overwhelmed with his determination and giant heart for these men and women of our country.  Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts Mr. Ricardo Bolton.

There will be a Procession to leave at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 22nd from Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS 39531.

A Graveside Service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery, with military honors rendered by the U.S. Army.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi is proud to serve the Makler family.

An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com