Luke Adam Murrell (1983-2017)

MURRELL, SMITH, BULLOCK

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 11/4/2017 at 06:34:58

From Ryan Funeral Home obituary, Nevada, Story County, Iowa:

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.