L. William Murrell

L. William Murrell, age 84, passed away on March 30th after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Springfield, MO on January 21, 1926 to Gladys Murrell-Spencer and Leonard Murrell. While in his senior year at Springfield High School, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy and entered the service on July 1, 1943. He eventually was assigned to the Naval NROTC at the University of California and was commissioned as an Ensign June, 1945. In 1946, he was assigned to a naval minesweeper that participated in removing mines from the Bikini atoll in preparation for the atomic bomb test. He completed his tour of duty on August 4, 1946 aboard a mine sweeper in the Atlantic. He returned to Springfield and graduated from Drury in 1947. He then began a career with the former AT&T Bell System that lasted 37 years. After an early retirement, he spent the next 10 years as a telecommunications consultant. During that time, he had the opportunity to live in several countries in Southeast Asia, South America and the Middle East. While living in Marshfield, MO during his retirement, he was very active in the United Methodist Church and Marshfield Rotary Club. Throughout his life he enjoyed renovating old houses, playing golf and spending time with his family and his dog Trooper. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Mr. Murrell is survived by his wife and best friend Rosemary, a son William Murrell of Ridgefield, CT, his wife Lisa and her daughter Alexa; a daughter Nancy Murrell-Golding of Austin, TX and husband Robert Golding and their children Rebecca and Alexander Golding; and his dog Trooper. No service is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Murrell's name to the "Heart of the Catskills Humane Society" located at Route 10 Bloomville Road; Delhi, NY 13753.