Murrah, Merle 'Butch' F.

Merle “Butch” F. Murrah, 72, of Iowa City, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 15, 2010, following a long illness. In honoring his wishes, there will be a celebration of life at Blackstone in Iowa City, on Saturday, July 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. Lensing Funeral Service is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa City Hospice or Holden Cancer Center.

Butch was born Oct. 28, 1937, in Buffalo, Ill., the son of Cecil and Cora (Hartland) Murrah. He attended Alleman Catholic High School. From March 1955 to October 1958, Butch proudly served in the United States Navy. On April, 18, 1959, Butch was united in marriage to Sandra Lievens. For over 20 years, Butch worked in the bindery division at Cedar Graphics in Hiawatha, retiring in 2001.

Butch was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a proud grandfather and loved attending their activities.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy of Iowa City; a son, Jeff and special friend Diana Winter of Iowa City; three daughters, Sherry Murrah of Cedar Rapids, Lori (David) Hudson of West Liberty and Kim (Jay) Argotsinger of Columbia, Mo.; two brothers, Winn (Kate) Murrah of New Orleans, La., and John Murrah of Kearney, Ariz.; sister, Martha Rosser of Columbus, Ind.; and grandchildren, Jake, Jared and Jace Vevera of Iowa City and Michelle and Cody Hudson of West Liberty.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and nephew.

Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at under obituaries.