Murl Christian

Murl Christian, 86, of Poplar Bluff, died February 17, 2007 at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mr. Christian was born January 2, 1921 in Poplar Bluff to the late Otto and Mary (Brown) Christian. He was retired as an owner-operator of a Food Brokerage firm.

Mr. Christian was a member of the First Church of God. He was involved in church activities; involved in the Gideons International; volunteered at the Rescue Mission, and involved in various veteran organizations. Mr. Christian was a veteran of the U S Army during WWII and served as Staff Sergeant in the 5th Infantry Division and served in the Battle of the Bulge from beginning to end, having been awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.

On February 17, 1956 he married Lorene Hubbard in Poplar Bluff. She survives. Also surviving are four sons, Mike Christian and wife Shirley of Ellsinore; Allen Christian and wife Nancy of Cape Girardeau; David Christian of Cape Girardeau and Shawn Christian and wife Leslie of Murfreesboro, TN; seven grandchildren, Justin Christian, Lance Christian, Jennifer Brooks and husband Kevin, Drew Christian, Wade Christian and wife Kerri, Lauren Christian, Connor Christian and one great grandchild, Riley Brooks; and one sister, Fern Nevatt of Springfield, MO. Mr. Christian was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters.

Visitation will be at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the First Church of God with the Rev. Reggie Darnell officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.

The family request memorials may be made to the Gideons International or the United Gospel Rescue Mission.