Murrell Cleo Clark, son of the late Alfred William and Ethel (Price) Clark, was born on Sep. 5, 1928, in Douglas County, Missouri, and passed away April 28, 2021, at home with family in Mountain Grove. He was 92 years, 7 months and 23 days of age. Murrell grew up in the Douglas County area. He was drafted in 1951 serving in Germany during the Korean War. He returned to his home in Vanzant, and married Doris AnnaBell Giles on Aug. 14, 1954. From this union, four children were born, Anne Lynnette (Clark) Underwood, Stanley DeWayne Clark, William Gary Clark and Robert Lee Clark. Murrell’s first love was farming, and he was so proud of his registered Polled Hereford cattle. Later, he worked with the United States Post Office, where he retired in Mountain Grove. He and his wife, Doris, left the farm in Vanzant and spent the rest of their lives in Mountain Grove. Murrell was a deacon and avid volunteer at his church, Southside Baptist Church. He was a proud volunteer and devoted many years to serving as a Mason, Shriner and member of the American Legion Post No. 30. His love of community was only outshined by his love of family. He loved to socialize and was known as the “Bubblegum Man” of Mountain Grove. Murrell was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris; his daughter, Lynnette; brothers, Leroy and Gene; and sister, Ann. He and his sister, Ann, passed in the same night. He is survived by his sons, Stanley (Serita), of Drury; Gary (Eva), of Vanzant; and Robert, of Springfield; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Evelyn; and brother, Dick, who will miss him greatly.
Visitation for Murrell Clark was held Saturday, May 1, 2021, from 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church, Mountain Grove. Funeral services followed the visitation at 2:30 p.m., also at the church, with the Rev. Jack Sawyers officiating. Song selections were “I’ll Fly Away,” What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “When I Wake Up To Sleep No More.” Josi Clark, Matt Clark, Tyler Clark, Kyle Hibbitts, Ryan Wood, Hunter Szahowski and Gavin Hungerford served as pallbearers. Bill Austin, Dwain Murphy, Bob Kelsay, Iby Edwards, Cory Walker, Max Woods, Pete Proctor, Wayne Underwood and Corey White served as honorary pallbearers. Burial with full military honors by the United States Army and American Legion Post No. 30 was held in New Hope Cemetery, Drury, under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post No. 30 or St. Jude Children’s Research in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
