Murl Christian

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Murl Christian, 86, of Poplar Bluff died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 2, 1921, in Poplar Bluff, son of Otto and Mary Brown Christian. He and Lorene Hubbard were married Feb. 17, 1956, in Poplar Bluff.

Christian retired as owner/operator of a food brokerage firm. He was a member of First Church of God and Poplar Bluff Masonic Lodge 209, involved in Gideons International, volunteered at the Rescue Mission and was involved in various veterans organizations.

Christian was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II and served as a staff sergeant in the 5th Infantry Division. He 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.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Mike Christian of Ellsinore, Mo., Allen and David Christian of Cape Girardeau, Shawn Christian of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; a sister, Fern Nevatt of Springfield, Mo.; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Church of God, with the Rev. Reggie Darnell officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery with full military honors.