Don Richard Murrell

SANTEE — Don Richard Murrell left all who knew & loved him on June 16, 2023. Born on February 4, 1932 in Purcell, OK to Henry & Naomi Murrell, he was the fifth of seven children and a child of the Great Depression. Times were hard, and he was picking cotton alongside his older siblings before the age of five. His family eventually moved to Hereford, TX where he grew into young adulthood. After joining the USMC in 1950, Don was awarded two Purple Hearts while in combat during the Korean War. In the summer of 1952, after returning from Korea & before being stationed

February 4, 1932 - June 16, 2023 in Guam, he met Barbara Jane Riley in San Diego. After a 15-month “courtship by mail”, they married soon after his return, on February 6, 1954.

Don & Barb shared 68 wonderful years together. They raised two children, welcomed three grandchildren and delighted in a greatgrandchild. Early on, Don took many different jobs to support his family, but found his career as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service to be the most rewarding. For more than 20 years, he was a champion for his patrons and a voice for his coworkers

as shop steward. Don’s co-career was as an active service member of the CA Army National Guard. Highly respected and decorated, he left the service as a Sergeant Major, the highest non-commissioned rank achievable.

Upon his retirement from both careers at age 60, Don & Barb took to the motorhome highway and traveled all over the USA, frequently visiting relatives along the way. Family was everything to Don, and he was deeply connected to the four generations of kin he lived long enough to see. He was a true gentleman and was loved for his wisdom, kindness, humor, generosity and uncanny ability to weave masterful “tall tales”:-) Uncle Don was the favorite among his many nieces and nephews. His grandchildren adored their “Grampa Tiger” / Papa and he loved them fiercely. Don always enjoyed a good meal & took great pleasure in treating anyone & everyone in his circle to