Oscar “Joe” Murnahan, 85, of Ironton, passed away Monday, July 27, 2009, at Community Hospice Care Center, Ashland, Ky. The Lawrence County native was born April 16, 1924, the son of the late Oscar and Rosa Martin Murnahan. He was the widower of Wanda Jean Dickess Murnahan.
He attended Hanging Rock schools, was a World War II veteran and of the Baptist faith.
Oscar was preceded in death, in addition to his parents and wife, by a son, David Joseph Murnahan; a daughter, Donna Kay Shope; a brother, Charles Murnahan; and six sisters, Nancy Matney, Lillian Murnahan, Mary Massie, Emma Jean Vulhop, Hazel Brooks and Mabel Fyffe.
He is survived by a sister, Rosella Pierson of Ironton, son-in-law, James Richard Shope of Ironton; seven grandchildren, Wanda and Ben Caldwell of South Point, Carol Howard and Adam Depriest of Pedro, Terri and Lonnie Russell of Ironton, Jackie and Frank Hall of Ironton, Paula and Richard Keeton of Ironton, Jamie Delawder and Jimmy Russell of Ironton and Jay Shope and Leeann Friend of Ironton; and 16 great-grandchildren, Stephanie and Hollie Caldwell, Brittany Hoard, Justin, Tyler, Shelby and Hannah Russell, Erica, Isaac and Donna Hall, Gage and Haley Keeton, John, Josh, Madison Delawder and Andrea Shope.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Phillips Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jack Pemberton officiating. Friends may call Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery. Military graveside service will be by VFW Post 8850. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.