Carl Otis McMurtrey, 75

Graveside services for Carl Otis McMurtrey, 75, of Dora, were held Aug. 22, 2020, at Sweeton Pond Cemetery in Dora. Mr. McMurtrey died Aug. 18 in Springfield.

He was born Dec. 17, 1944, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Walter Eugene and Lillie Edith Hubbard McMurtrey. He graduated from Parkhill High School in Parkville, Missouri. After attending Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, he obtained his Airframe & Powerplant Certification in Seattle, Washington.

On June 10, 1967, he married Virginia Rose Gaskell; they celebrated 53 years of marriage this summer. Over the years, Mr. McMurtrey worked at Boeing in aircraft assembly and as a dairy farmer. He owned his own road and bridge construction company and was the owner-operator of a trucking company. He drove for Mercer Transportation for over 25 years.

He was known as a man who never met a stranger, and he invited many people home to dinner or for dessert, usually as a surprise to his wife. He always had a story to tell, whether or not anyone wanted to hear it. He was well known for his generosity and would give the shirt off his back. (The family says hopefully the recipient liked plaid, because that was all he ever wore.)

He was very proud of his family, especially his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; his children, Rose White and husband Dave, Gary McMurtry, and Victoria Wiigs and Ashley; his sisters Jean Louise Anderson and husband Ernest, Debra  Boling and husband Ralph, and Diana McMurtrey; grandchildren Erin, Kevin, Logan and Anthony; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jimmie and Kenneth.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, no visitation was held before the graveside service. Mr. McMurtrey’s family said that, since Carl was no longer with them it wouldn’t have been a party anyway.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sweeton Pond Cemetery, c/o Virginia McMurtrey, RR1 Box 2880, Dora, MO 65637. 

Arrangements by Carter Funeral Home, West Plains.