Murvel L. Huffstutler

Murvel Lee Huffstutler (Cary, Illinois) had a long, fulfilling life. He was born on July 3, 1924 and passed away, peacefully on December 30, 2017. In those years, he was a sailor, grade school teacher, minister, DCFS case worker, college teacher and truck driver. He had 2 Master's Degrees, one from Northern Illinois University in Social Work and one from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky in Church Education. The last degree, he earned well into his 80s. During World War II he was in the North African and American Theatres. He was a Yeoman First Class and assisted rear Admiral George R. Henderson as he planned the Invasion of Japan. Last year he received a certificate from Journey care and the US Navy thanking him for his service. For most of his life he was a Southern Baptist minister. He led churches in Martinsville, Washington and Joliet, Illinois. While in Joliet, he helped with the planting of 5 other churches. He once said, "You can never go wrong by maintaining your focus on winning the lost to Christ." He was also the pastor of a church in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He sometimes preached in small churches so he was often bi-vocational. (This is why he had so many different careers.) Murvel was preceded in death just a few months ago by his wife of 71 years, Norma Lee Huffstutler. They were able to live their last years together at Brentwood North in Riverwoods, Illinois where their company was enjoyed by all of the people who worked and lived with them.He is also preceded by his parents, Herman and Allie (Allen) Huffstutler and his brother Robert (Edna Elizabeth Campbell) Huffstutler. He is survived by his sisters- Lois June (James) Eubanks, Doris Jean (Lester) Ratliff; by his sons- Gary Dion Huffstutler, and Robert (April Ainlay) Huffstutler; his grandchildren- Brenda (Kevin Wingert) Huffstutler, Kristine (David) Ensor, Holly, Michelle, Michael and Jessica Huffstutler; and his great-grandchildren Eric, Andrew, Timothy and Patrick Hester, and Avery Wingert. He also adored his many nephews and nieces. Murvel was tenacious. He accomplished everything he tried and "did not go gentle into that good night;" but his defining characteristic was love. He cared about his family as well as all of the people he came in contact with. He gave of himself to everyone and showed all of us how to live our lives. He will be sorely missed. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Murvel L. Huffstutler please visit our Sympathy Store.

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