"I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are never alone. You can find much comfort in God?s Word, the Bible, which assures us at Psalms 34:18 that God is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. Please accept my deepest sympathies."
In loving memory of
Murray Frank Armstrong
August 14, 1932 - July 19, 2018
Williamsburg-Murray Frank Armstrong peacefully passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2018, at the Highland Ridge Care Center in Williamsburg at the age of 85.
Murray was born August 14, 1932, in Bloomington, Illinois, the son of DeWitt and Caroline (Brumme) Armstrong. He graduated from Octavia High School in Colfax, Illinois and attended Illinois State Normal University. He served in the United States Navy from 1951-1955, during the Korean War. Murray was united in marriage to Marylin Faye Ellis on October 30. 1955, in Danvers, Illinois. They lived and farmed in Cooksville and Colfax, Illinois for a number of years. Murray and Marylin moved to Williamsburg in 1969. During the years he worked at various seed companies including Moews Seed, Jacques Seed, Armstrong Seed, NC+ Hybrids, Lynk's Seed and Mycogen Seed. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, serving on various positions. Murray served on the Williamsburg City council for 4 years and was Mayor of Williamsburg for 14 years. He also was a life member of the Iburg Poulson VFW Post #8797 and a charter member of the Williamsburg High School Booster Club.
He is survived by his wife Marylin of Williamsburg; a son: Mark (Anne) Armstrong of Williamsburg; two daughters: Kim (Scott) White of Clive and Kelly (Brian) Wirt of Des Moines; eight grandchildren: Clare (Nick) Duffy, Jackie (Derek) Powers, Maggie (Jared Freese) Armstrong, John Armstrong, Aaron Wirt, Amelia Wirt, Hailey (Sean) Wilson and Jimmy (Lindsay) White; four great grandchildren: Audrey and Cora Duffy, Vera Wilson and Christian Burton and a sister: Ann Funk of Phoenix, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Donald, Bernard and Victor Armstrong; two sisters: Geraldine Twining and Janice McNeil.
Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 am Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Williamsburg. Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, with a VFW Service at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given for St. Paul Lutheran Church, Williamsburg Booster Club, Williamsburg FFA or Alzheimer's Association. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"Dear Kelly, Brian, and all of your family, Words escape me when trying to express my sympathy. I know what it is to lose a dear parent, including my "W. R. Mom." May you be comforted knowing that your father is now in the arms of Jesus, and enjoying the blessings of heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Eunie Christensen"
"Dear Marilyn and Family, For the people who went to high school with Murray, we offer our sincere condolences to all of you folks. We are having a reunion soon and will be sure to remember Murray as we rethink our memories. His was a life well lived to be sure. When in Octavia he was certainly well liked. Please be good to yourselves. Most Sincerely, Pat Hoffman Pegram"
"Octavia High School is soon to have another reunion....the 66th for my and Murray's class. We will remember him and miss him. Murray was a sweet man. So glad to have known him and glad to have met you at our reunions, Marilyn. Our sympathy goes to you and your family."
"We are so sorry to hear of Murray's death. Remember the times we spent with him when he would be at Bill and Mabel Hernik's."
"Marilyn and Family! You have my Deepest Sympathy! He was a great man to be adored. During his years as Mayor I remember having almost monthly visits with Murray while grooming his locks. Nothing like Andy & Floyd or Roy & Archie Campbell or even Julia & Dolly! Along with his bill he always paid I got a tip and an Education! I loved it! So many words of wisdom to be heard! There?s so many fond memories of my Clientele that have left us here on earth and went to their forever home in heaven! Hope they all are still looking beautiful! Take Care and God Bless Y?a!"
"My thoughts are with the Armstrong family. May the words in Job 14:13-15 be of hope to you."
"We will miss Murray. Our love and thoughts are with the family. We will miss him and his stories about being in the service, and about how he met Marilyn. "
"Thinking of your family during this sad time...I will always remember bringing Trevor and Adam down to your house to Trick-or-Treat!! Hugs?"
"I loved Uncle Murray's smile and the twinkle in his eye. I'll miss hearing his stories. -Midge Morrill"