BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio – Joel Markowski fulfilled the same role at work, at home and in his community.

“He wanted to help and protect others,” said Amy, to whom he was married for 16 years. “When you needed him, he was there.”

On August 15, Markowski, who served in the U.S. Army and as a Butler County sheriff’s deputy and school police officer in the Edgewood, New Miami and Bellbrook school districts, died of drowning in a swimming pool, according to the county coroner. He was 54.

“He was my everything,” his wife said. “He was the perfect addition. He gave me a sense of peace, security and safety.”

Her husband didn’t know any strangers and his presence made everyone feel better.

“His smile lit up the room,” she said.

She was asked what lessons she would learn from her husband’s life.

“Compassion,” she said. “Be that smile for someone who needs it.”

She remembered a conversation they had had on Myspace. He was stationed in Iraq and she was at home in Hamilton. They were worlds apart. They talked about meeting up when his deployment was over.

He said he lived in Kettering and when she told him she lived in Hamilton, he was shocked that they lived only 45 minutes away from each other.

“We are meant for each other,” she said.

He was born in San Angeles, Philippines, and adopted by Maria and Paul Markowski. His father was also a police officer.

The Markowskis are a blended family. He has three children from his first marriage, she has one. Together they have adopted three biological children and three foster children. Six of the ten children live at home.

A memorial fund has been set up for the children, she said.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his children Christopher (Ashley), Mindy (Eric), Chelsea, Samantha, Abriana, Marlayshia, Madelynn, Nyla, Bryson, Charlynn and Landon, his grandchildren Cayden, Aliza, Clayton, Micah and Tristan, and his parents Maria Markowski and Paul and Libba Markowski.

The viewing will be held Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hamilton Christian Center, 1940 Millville Ave., followed by a funeral service with the Reverend Curtus Moak officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Brown-Dawson-Flick Funeral Homes.