Feb 20, 2018

John F. McMurtry 87, of Columbia, Mo., passed away peacefully at 1:35 p.m. Monday, February 19, 2018.

He was born September 7, 1930, in Hickman, Ky., into a share cropping family in a log cabin with no running water or electricity. He was a humble man born into humble conditions.

He was a 1948 graduate of Alamo High School and served in the Korea War with the 82nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion, 2nd Division, starting in 1952.

After the armistice was signed, he was stationed in Pittsburgh, where he met Emma Lee Linn. After a whirlwind romance of three months, they were married in October 1954. They moved to Knoxville, Tenn., where their son, James Madison “Matt,” was born in 1956. They subsequently moved to Pittsburgh, where daughter Melanie Maye was born in 1961, and then to Washington, where their son, John Mark, was born in 1962.

After 11 years of night school, Mr. McMurtry graduated with a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering in 1967 from the last class of Carnegie Institute of Technology, now known as Carnegie Mellon University.

In 1968, he purchased and operated Washington Paint and Glass, until his retirement.

Along with his wife, Emma Lee, Mr. McMurtry was an active member of the Washington County community. He was a member of the Masons and Church of the Covenant. He was elected as a member of Washington School Board for 22 years, including a year as president. He played an important role in facilitating the integration of Washington School District and the construction of Washington Park Elementary School.

In their retirement, Mr. McMurtry and his wife purchased a Woodmizer portable sawmill. They traveled to church camps across the Allegheny Mountains, milling timber for the camps to use in building projects. They never charged for labor or parts. They donated their time and expenses and would always give the camps a small donation for room and board during their stay. They also participated in mission trips to Zambia and Mexico.

In 2001, Mr. McMurtry was selected to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of Washington, prior to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. In 2008, they moved to Columbia to be closer to their youngest grandchildren.

He also enjoyed traveling throughout the world with his family. Highlights from his travels include Korean War reunions held across the United States, two visits to the New York Stock Exchange and multiple trips to Europe, including two trips to Eastern Europe before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Mr. McMurtry and his wife, along with John Mark and his family, also toured Iceland and the United States, from Alaska to Florida, in an RV. In Florida, they witnessed two shuttle launches and visited Walt Disney World at least 20 times, many of which he attended enthusiastically.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Emma Lee; a brother, Bill of Rives Junction, Mich.; his children, James Madison McMurtry, M.D., and wife Cynthia Thomas McMurtry, M.D., of Richmond, Va., Melanie Maye McMurtry and husband Allen Wagner of Austin, Texas, and John Mark McMurtry, M.D., and wife Paula Jean McMurtry, M.D., of Rocheport, Mo.; grandchildren John Thomas McMurtry, M.D., and wife Ashley McMurtry, George Patrick McMurtry, Alexandra Linn Buffie and husband Tyler Buffie, Amelia Wagner, Ian Matthew McMurtry and Shyla Elizabeth McMurtry; and great-grandchildren Cora Lynn and Ella Cynthia McMurtry.

Deceased are his mother and father, Gilbert and May McMurtry; two brothers, James and Thomas; and a sister, Dorothy.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, in Parker-Millard Funeral Service, Columbia, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 22. Interment with full military honors will follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, Mo.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203, 573-449-4153.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ParkerMillard.com.