| Obit For | Murrel Harmon |
|---|---|
| Headline | FINE YOUNG MAN ENDS HIS LIFE HERE FRIDAY MORNING |
| Text | The entire city of Cassville bowed its head in sorrow last Friday morning when news of the death of Murrel Harmon, a son-in-law of Chas. Thomas, and brother-in-law of Sheriff Hugh Brixey, both of this city, spread over the city. Harmon took his own life with a 38 revolver by shooting himself in the forehead in a bed room at the home of Sheriff Brixey at about 9:45 o"clock that morning. For the past few years, Murrel had resided in Kansas City, where he was connected with Ford Motor Co., as foreman of service stock. A few months ago, he was stricken with a nervous break-down, due to over-work. Treatments to restore him to good health were begun immediately after the attack and he responded to the treatments readily and his condition was greatly improved. Absolute quiet was prescribed for him by his physician and he came to this city, where he had been visiting his father-in-law, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Brixey, and his brother at Monett. On the morning of this fatal happening, Murrel was seated in the kitchen at the Brixey home, conversing with Mr. and Mrs. Brixey and deputy sheriff Walter Sallee. During the conversation, Murrel arose from his chair and walked into the front bedroom of the Brixey home where he picked up the sheriff"s revolver, which was lying on a dresser in the room, and fired the shot into his head which ended his life immediately. Hearing the report of the gun, Mr. and Mrs. Brixey ran into the room, finding his body lying on the floor. Neighbors were quickly called to the home and when they entered they room, the fine young man was making his final gasps for breath. Everything possible to comfort Murrel was done by his good relatives here, and at no time did he intimate, in his conversations, that he intended to commit such an act. On the morning of his passing his actions were somewhat different and noticeable by his relatives. In taking his life he stood directly in front of a large mirror in the room, according to the belief of many, as there was some blood on the glass. Murrel Harmon was a young man who was loved by all his acquaintances. At all times, under all circumstances, he walked in the well-beaten paths of righteousness and honor. Could all live the just and upright like Murrel Harmon lived, and die in his trusting faith, death could no longer be called "The King of Terrors" for inspired no terror there. As Hugh Brixey said about him," there lies a good a boy as ever lived." And that was the same as was said by all who knew him. What a fine thing it is to bear such an excellent reputation as this good boy. He was married to Miss Virgie Thomas, a daughter of Charles A. Thomas of near this city, nine years ago, and two girls were born their marriage and all survive the father. He was born at Monett, Mo., November 22, 1890 and was a son of Mr. & Mrs. George Harmon, old time citizens of this county, during their life time. During the World War, he served in the 353rd Field Artillery and was stationed for a time at Camp Funston and carried $10,000 government insurance for his splendid family. He also leaves one brother, George, a Frisco brakeman, who resides at Monett, and one sister, Mrs. Horace Gates, of Kansas City, who were both present at his funeral. His excellent wife and children were at their home in Kansas City at the time of this happening and in company with Mr. and Mrs. Gates, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doane and Miss Montez Brixey, who is attending school in that city motored to Cassville, after being notified of his death. Impressive funeral services were held at the Brixey home, Sunday afternoon, at 2 o"clock, conducted by Rev. Cason of Pierce City, after which the remains were conveyed to the Maplewood cemetery at Exeter for interment, under direction of Horine's Funeral Service. The funeral was a largely attended and many floral offering were received. Pallbearers were all brother-in-law of the deceased and were Hugh Brixey of Cassville, Merton Meador of Exeter, Royce Stubblfield of Fayetteville, Ark., Ralph Hallenback of LaMar, Henry Doane and Mack McClanahan of Monett. Flower girls were: Misses Louise Jeffries, Florence Jaques, Montez Brixey, Hazel Brixey and Maxine and Virginia McClanahan of Monett, and a quartet composed of Mrs. Will H. Lathim, Mrs. John P. Ray, J.W. Hisey and Wesley Brandford, rendered music. A solo "Face to Face" was rendered by Mrs. Ray. Those from a distance that attended the service were: H. Horine of Monett, and son Ben, of Springfield, Mr. and Mrs. A. Folger of Exeter, John Ellston of Exeter, W.H. Suttles and son of Monett, Misses Anna Malloy, Anna Cunnigham, Mrs. Wm. Boucher and Mrs. Peck of Monett. Research Notes: Missouri Death Cert. # 23537 Listed name as Merl Harmon Parents: George Harmon (born Germany) and Leola Vandaclor (?) (born Indiana) Born: Nov. 22, 1890, Monett, MO Died: August 26, 1927, Township, Flatcreek, City Cassville, Barry Co., MO Death by Suicide, Burial at Maplewood, Exeter, Barry Co., MO Informant was Mrs. Virginia Harmon, Kansas City, MO |
| Newspaper or Funeral Home | Cassville Democrat |
| Date | Sept. 3, 1927 |
| Death Cert Link | Death Certificate |
| Resource | State Historical Society Microfilm |
| Submitted by | Barbara Erwin |
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