Columbus Monument has been a part of the Columbus community for over seventy-five years. It is a calling that Steve and Jackie Marker take very seriously. While they often are helping a grieving family choose a fitting memorial for their loved ones, they have served the community in a vast number of other ways. They have been involved in the Higgins Memorial Project, since its inception, engraving the bricks for the project. They have made granite markers going in and out of Monroe along the highway, as well as the stone signs that mark the entrances of Lake Oconee and Clear Lake. They are involved with the North Bend Memorial Project, as well as several others. Steve also participated in the repair of the memorial in Frankfurt Square after a storm destroyed the monument.

While helping a family find a fitting memorial is heartbreaking, Steve enjoys helping each family find something that will honor their loved ones. Each customer has a different story to share and helping him or her to tell that story about their loved one is vital in the design of a monument. As he visits with each customer, Steve helps them to recall memories of their loved ones and encourages them to bring photos or mementos that reflect their family member’s life. Steve’s own aunt and uncle loved to dance, so etching a picture of them dancing on their stone, brought joy to his family. And while designing his own father’s monument was difficult for Steve, he took comfort in including an etching of his dad’s beloved belt buckle into the monument. These individualized touches are what give Steve and Jackie a great sense of pride in the work they provide for the community. Steve is self-taught in his craft and enjoys the work. He is very passionate about what he does, striving to get things just right for each customer. Steve spent several years working for Gerhold Precast, before taking a job at Columbus Monument when they were in need of someone who had concrete experience. That was thirty-two years ago. Steve loves the work that he does and decided to buy the business five years ago. He takes great pride and dedication in the service that he provides helping the community and families. Columbus Monument has been an intimate part of the lives of those in the Columbus community, as well as the greater surrounding area, for over seventy-five years. Steve and Jackie together are “Making Lasting Memories” and take great pride in helping to tell the stories of those who have lost a loved one.