Kenneth Dean McMurray
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Kenneth Dean McMurray, 82, of Valier, passed away at 5:05 a.m., Monday, October 13, 2008 at his residence.
Ken had worked as a teacher in the Education Department at Marion Federal Penitentiary for twenty years. He was a member of the Valier First Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Valier American Legion and NRA. In April of 1961, he was elected as Mayor of Valier but resigned that position to take his position with the Marion Federal Penitentiary. He served as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy during World War II and received the American Theatre Asiatic-Pacific Victory Medal World War II. Ken's hobbies included woodworking of all types, hunting, fishing, camping, and golfing. He was most happy and content when he was with his family.
He was born November 25, 1925 at Du Quoin, the son of Louie and Goldie (Gross) McMurray.
He married Ara Lee Duckworth on February 3, 1946 at Du Quoin, and she survives. They celebrated sixty-two years of marriage.
He is survived by his wife of Valier, three sons - Bruce A. McMurray and wife Becky, Ronald K. McMurray and wife Kristy, and Paul D. McMurray and Felicia, all of Valier, one sister - Betty Milks of Brodhead, Wis., five grandchildren - Tim, Kasey, Lesley, Janie, and Kimber, and two great grandchildren - Hayden and Liam.
He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers - Ray, Roy, Russell, Robert, Wayne, William, and Norman, and one infant sister - Norma Jean McMurray.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2008 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Frank Senter officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion.
Friends may make memorials to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.