Murrell Dean Johnston

He was born on June 22, 1925, in Akron, Ohio, to Mary Edna (Sandlin) and Sherman Johnston. He married the love of his life, Martha Ellen Turner, on June 22, 1947, in Ingraham, IL. She preceded him in death on September 28, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Richard Wyss, a great-grandson and his brothers, Bill, Russell and Jackie Johnston.

Murrell was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his three daughters, Judy Wyss of Glasford, Deb (Dan) Sammis of Peoria, IL and Terry (Randy) Miller of Aurora, CO with whom he lived; seven grandchildren: Troy Wyss, Traci Coats, Jessica (Brandon) Wibben, Jeffrey (Kelly) Sammis, Meghan (James) Burke, Alex (Kim) Miller and Ethan (Erna Lukač) Miller; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Glen (Carol) Johnston of Glasford and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Murrell was drafted at the age of 18 and served in the 4th Armored Infantry Division, on the European front in WWII, under General George Patton. Fighting in Germany and France, he then finished his time in Paris working for the Stars and Stripes Newspaper. He shared many war stories, but driving a jeep for Bob Hope and Marlene Dietrich for one of their USO shows was a highlight.

He received his high school diploma after returning from the War.

He and Martha moved to Glasford in 1947.

He worked for Caterpillar Tractor for many years and then for R E Common Equipment Company.

Murrell was a 55 year member of Lancaster Lodge No. 106, Order of the Eastern Star Celestial City Chapter No. 333, The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Peoria and American Legion Post 35 of Glasford where he served as an Honor Guard.

His bright and energetic personality, zeal for life, and love of fun and jokes will be missed by his family and all those who crossed his path. Murrell never met a stranger. He was one in a million!

He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Glasford, IL and attended Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO.

Services will be Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Christ Our Redeemer Church and a memorial service on February 11 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Glasford.