Murl J Waterman (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Murl Johnny Waterman, son of Johnny R. and Gertie Mae Gregory Waterman, was born October 27, 1924, near Eldridge, Missouri. He departed this life Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in his home, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety years, four months, and fourteen days.
On August 25, 1945, he was united in marriage to Lois Irene Blattel, and to this union two daughters and one son were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Linda Bowman; and two sisters, Bernice Dampier, and Lena Miller.
Murl is survived by his loving wife of sixty-nine years, Irene, of the home; a son, Dan Waterman, and his wife, Sandra, of Lebanon, Missouri; a daughter, Pamela Jones, and her husband, Jerry, of Springfield, Missouri; five grandchildren, Angela Palmer, and her husband, John, Melanie Darrow, and her husband, Len, Dustin Bowman, and his wife, Jessica, Amy Mujtaba, and her husband, Shelly, and Matt Waterman, and his wife, Amy; seven great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Zachary, Madison, Avery, Bentley, Cy, and Aadi; two sisters, Nadene Streby, of Fredericktown, Ohio, and Doris Jones, of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Eldridge, Missouri area and lived most of his life in the Lebanon area. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army from 1943, until his honorable discharge on December 17, 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his meritorious service during World War II, where he served in the 10th Mountain Infantry Division in Italy. After he and Irene were married, they made their home near Lebanon, and lovingly raised their family. Murl worked in the propane gas business for over thirty years, and was a Regional Vice-President at Empire Gas Corporation. He and Irene also owned and operated Waterman’s Clothing Store in downtown Lebanon for several years.
Murl made his profession of faith early in his life and was a member of Second Baptist Church in Lebanon for many years.
He belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 4107 in Lebanon. In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activities were playing golf and working in his garden. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed having time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Murl was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and know that he will be fondly remembered as a devoted family man, dedicated businessman, a patriotic citizen, and a good friend to many.
Memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice and left at the funeral home.
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