Murrell F. Alms was born Dec. 27, 1918, at Bertha, Mo., to Andy and Addie (Edwards) Alms. He passed away March 21, 2011, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
He worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps building Fort Leonard Wood army base. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941 and served during World War II in the 7th Calvary at Ft. Bliss, Texas, on border patrol, and overseas in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1945.
After he returned from the Army, his friend Jum Snearley introduced him to Berniece Pendelton and they were married on Nov. 29, 1945. They built Alms Garage at the junction of Highways East 14 and FF in Ava and operated an auto repair garage there over 40 years. After retirement, they both worked at the U.S. Forest Service.
Murrell was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Charley Alms; an infant daughter; and Berniece, his wife of 59 years.
He is survived by his son, Rodney Alms and daughter-in-law, Marilyn, Ava; and sister-in-law Juanita Clement, Tescumbia, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Ava Area Animal League Jr. spay and neuter program; Douglas County Community Foundation Animal Shelter building fund; Douglas County Museum; or Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare activity fund.
A visitation will be hosted Thursday, March 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Ava Family Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be conducted Friday, March 25 at the Ava City Cemetery at 10 a.m.
