DURHAM, N.C. – Former Duke football captain
John Markas passed away on September 1 at the age of 84.
A native of Morganton, N.C., Markas lettered three seasons (1960-61-62) at Duke under Hall of Fame head coach
Bill Murray. A two-year starter at guard, Markas helped the Blue Devils to a three-year record of 23-8 (.742) with three ACC championships, an appearance in the 1961 Cotton Bowl and three final national rankings in 1960 (
Associated Press No. 10 &
United Press International No. 11), 1961 (
AP No. 20) and 1962 (
UPI No. 14).
As a senior in 1962, Markas served as team captain and earned honorable mention All-America honors after guiding Duke to a perfect 6-0 record in ACC play as the Blue Devils outscored their league opponents by a margin of 134-43.
Markas is survived by his wife
Brenda Ann Tolson-Markas and sons
John Markas III (
Linda) of Wilmington, N.C., and
Lantz Tolson (
Jenna) of McPherson, Kan.
Memorial gifts may be made to The Iron Dukes at
www.gifts.duke.edu/irondukes.