Edward L. Murray
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Edward L. "John" Murray, 84, of Du Quoin, passed away at 10:53 a.m., Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at his residence.
John had worked as a federal meat grader for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 30 years, retiring in 1983. He was a national technical supervisor. Prior to working for the USDA, he had worked at the Du Quoin Packing Company. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving from 1945 until 1948 as a Fire Controlman Second Class. He then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1948 until 1952 as a Sergeant First Class. He was awarded the Bronze Star with accommodations as follows: Sergeant Edward L. Murray, Artillery, United States Army, a member of Battery A, 38th Field Artillery Battalion for heroic achievement on 4 March 1951 while engaged in military operations against an armed enemy in Korea. As a member of a forward observer team attached to Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, he was charged with the responsibility of relaying fire missions from the forward observer to the supporting artillery unit. Despite intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, he remained at his position relaying the fire missions and upon one occasion when the platoon sergeant of Company G was wounded, he personally led a banzai attack which was instrumental in repelling the enemy attack. The perseverance, initiative, devotion to duty, and cool and aggressive manner while under fire displayed by Sergeant Murray reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Illinois.
He was born Sept. 1, 1927 at East St. Louis, Ill., the son of Harry and Helen (Rogers) Murray.
He married Janet A. Jent on June 18, 1954 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, two sons - Mel Murray and wife Lindy of Addieville, Ill. and J. Thomas Murray of Du Quoin, three granddaughters - Haley Biehl and husband Jason of St. Louis, Mo., Meredith Murray of Edwardsville, Ill. and Robin Murray of Fairview Heights, Ill., one grandson - Thomas Murray of O'Fallon, Ill., three sisters - Dorothy Pierce of Johnston City, Ill., Betty Thorpe of Sunfield and JoAnn Fulkerson and husband Eugene of Du Quoin, one brother - Andy Murray and wife Brenda of Du Quoin, one brother-in-law - Nick Jent and wife Patti of Dallas, Tex., numerous nieces and nephews and special buddies - Sylvia and Danny.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one step brother - Bob Murray, one step sister - Verda Mae Murray, and two brothers-in-law - Harry Pierce and Charles Thorpe.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 2, 2012 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin with Fr. Nick Junker officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Sunday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m., Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
A private family burial will be at a later date at Sacred Heart Cemetery at Du Quoin with military graveside rites conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion.
Friends may make memorials to Masses, Sacred Heart Funeral Dinner Fund, or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.