Luke Murrell
June 14, 1983 - October 25, 2017
From: Ames, IA
Luke Murrell, age 34, of Ames, died Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017, at North Grand Christian Church, 919 30th Street, in Ames, with Pastor Mike Morton officiating. Burial will follow in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 5-7 p.m.
Born June 14, 1983, in Columbia, Missouri, Luke Adam Murrell was the son of Paul and Carol (Smith) Murrell. In addition to his parents, Luke is survived by his sister, Tammy (Monte) Bullock of Colo; his brother, Dustin Murrell of Des Moines; two nephews, Logan and Caleb Bullock; and two nieces, Abigail and Madison Bullock.
Luke lived the first three years of his life in Missouri and Kansas, then moved with his family to Nevada in 1987. He attended school in Ames and was a member of North Grand Christian Church. Luke lived with his parents in Nevada until February of 2006, when he moved into a new group home in Ames known as Aspen House and managed by Mainstream Living.
Luke was a people person and, in addition to his family, had many special people in his life. Among them was Heather Strah, now Dr. Heather Strah, who was a close friend of Luke’s from the time he was four years old. She was a frequent visitor at the Murrell home and would spend hours talking and playing the piano for Luke. The two shared a special bond that continued even after Heather became an adult and moved away. Luke always enjoyed their special visits.
Tim DeVine was another very special friend of Luke’s, dating back to their shared elementary school all the way through high school. Tim faithfully helped Luke on and off the school bus and was the driving force behind getting automatic doors installed at the school, ensuring easier access for Luke and other students in wheelchairs.
Luke was also blessed to have a very special doctor, Dr. Edward Nassif, who did a wonderful job taking care of Luke’s special health concerns for 31 years.
In addition, Luke had many wonderful nurses and other caregivers while he was still living at home with his parents as well as outstanding nurses and staff at Aspen House who were also his friends. All made a huge difference in his life and we know Luke would thank them now if he could.
During the last several years of his life, although separated by long distances, Luke enjoyed getting phone calls and cards from his Grandma Murrell and his aunts (Katie, Sherry, Mary, Sue, Janet, Barbara, and Donna), all of which brought many smiles to his face. After making his home at Aspen House, one of Luke’s favorite activities was to come home to celebrate holidays and birthdays. He enjoyed time spent with his parents, brother, sister, and brother-in-law, and “tornadoes,” as he lovingly referred to his nieces and nephews. Although not gifted in the worldly sense, Luke could always smile and brought much joy to all those in his presence.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Eugene and Helen Smith; and his paternal grandparents, James and Ardith Murrell.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Luke and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Luke’s memory may be directed to the family.
Condolences
Monday, November 6, 2017 at 9:30 AM
“So very sorry to hear about Luke. He was a very special guy. I will never forget his huge smile and big laughs! Prayers of comfort and peace for your family.”
- Kami Olesen
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 12:29 PM
“Dear Murrell family, I am so sorry to have read of the recent death of your loved one Luke. Please accept my most sincere condolences. I work on an ESE School Bus here in Florida and Luke's sweet smiling face reminds me so much of the sweet kids I see every day. Please accept my most sincere condolences. I would like to share something that I have personally found to be very comforting. It is found in the Bible at John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:3-5. These verses tell us that soon Jehovah God through his son Christ Jesus is going to bring about a resurrection of our dear loved ones, as well as do away with all the causes we have for suffering including sickness and death. Knowing this has always comforted me when I've lost loved ones and it is my hope that these thoughts will likewise comfort your family also during this most difficult time in your lives. If you would like to read these Scriptures online for free or find more comforting thoughts, please visit jw.org Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss.
Sincerely, Trudy Nowell - Panama City Beach, FL”
- Trudy Nowell
Monday, October 30, 2017 at 12:34 PM
“So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you during this time. Luke was so lucky to have such a loving family like all of you! ”
- Joe and Margie Cahill
Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 7:07 PM
“Happy dancing in heaven with Jesus Luke! I took care of Luke from 2009-2011 at the Aspen house. Luke used to blow me kisses and whisper my name! He loved his parents dearly and loved Happy Meals :) I love you Luke!”
- Ruth Cakerice
Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 7:07 PM
“Dear Paul and Carol,
I was very saddened to hear the news that sweet Luke passed away on Wednesday, October 25th. He was always my little buddy, loved by many. I have so many special memories of Luke, envisioning his big smile every time I saw him. My heartfelt thoughts go out to you today. May memories treasured in your heart of times that were most dear, bring you peace and help to keep your loved one near.
In Christian love,
Verla (and Jonathan) Sims”
- Verla Sims
Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 7:07 PM
“Paul, Carol,Tammy,Dustin,Monte and tornadoes, Aaron and I are so very sorry to hear of Luke's passing. Luke is not experiencing any more shortness of breath or anxiety. I am sure he is smiling as he sits at the right hand of Jesus. May you find comfort in Jesus in the days to come. Luke's bright smile will be missed.”
- Melanie Boor
Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 7:07 PM
“Paul, Carol, and family, Our prayers are with during this special time.”
- Al and Rocio Williams
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:21 AM
“Randy and I are very sorry for your loss. We are thinking about your family. Prayers of comfort to you all.”
- Randy and De Ann Freel
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:21 AM
“Dr. Murrell, Carol, Dustin and Tammy and her family. I am so sad for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts. And in my prayers to God I ask him to comfort you during this difficult time. ”
- Jane Page
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:21 AM
“Dr. Murrell and Carol Curtis, Emily and I would like to tell you sorry for your loss which is now Heavens gain. We talked about old times with Luke and how he made us all smile and laugh. Gods blessings to all of you ”
- Brenda Walters
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:21 AM
“My mother, Sharon Milani, was one of Luke's nurses while he lived at home. She loved spending time with Luke and he was so special to her! My prayers are with Luke's family and all those who knew and loved him! ”
- Margie Archambault
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:21 AM
“I will always remember Luke. I enjoyed the summers he was in my classroom at WB, especially the summer we all came to your home for his birthday party. He had a great smile and always fun to be around. ”
- Man Jungst
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:20 AM
“Dr. Murrell & family, we were so sorry to hear of Luke’s passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. The obituary was so well written. I felt like I knew him. Keep all of the memories close to your hearts. Comfort & peace to you!”
- Bob & Judy McCollom
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:20 AM
“Paul, Carol and family, we are praying for comfort for you all during this time. Luke had a way of brightening a room with his smile. Caroling and having a party at Christmastime was a great memory for my family. He will be missed by many. We are a phone call away if you need anything. Love you all!”
- Todd & Dana Hughes Family
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:20 AM
“Luke will be truly missed. He was such a joy to see him because he was always happy and smiling. He always made you happy to visit with him. It has been a while since we visited with him but he was a joy to be around. I know that you are truly going to miss him but at this time he is in such a better place and his little body has been made whole. Mom and myself sends our love and to let you know that we are thinking of you and will be praying for you in the days ahead. Sorry we can't be there for you in person but we will be praying for comfort to you and the family to help you get through this sorrow.”
- Paula Walters/ Kathryn Jenkins
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:20 AM
“I know that Luke held a special place in each of your hearts. He made a difference in this world.
My prayers and heart go out to you all. 💞Terri Rufert ”
- Terri Rufert
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:20 AM
“My heart and prayers are with you all. I so enjoyed Luke at the Smith dinners at West Side Church Of God. He always brought a heartwarming smile to my face. Richie and I send our love and prayers.”
- Marlene Dial
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:20 AM
“To The Murrell Family,
So sorry for your loss. My mom Beverly Miller would talk
about Luke when she would come from visiting Carol at their home.
Or after Wednesday morning Bowling. He sounded so amazing !!
Prayers to all you!! May he fly high in heaven!!”
- Theresa Hodge(Miller)
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:20 AM
“To the Murrell family,
I am so very sorry for your loss, Luke was a very special guy who always brightened my day with his special smile. I will miss his clicks and his teasing. I didn't know Luke for very long but he made such a positive influence in my life with his humor and courage. He always smiled the brightest when we talked about family and your adventures.”
- Zack
Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 6:38 PM
“Dr. Murrell, Carol, Tammy, Dustin and families, I feel so sad for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and am saying prayers to God asking him to provide comfort you during this time. ”
- Jane Page
Click Here If You Would Like To Leave Your Condolences
