Murl Walston

Murl Walston, age 72, of rural Nebo, IL passed away on October 31, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.  He was born on December 3, 1951, at home to Harold and Adine (Manker) Walston.  Murl married the love of his life, Joani Reeder on August 10, 1974, at the Milton Christian Church and she preceded him in death on October 14, 2021.

Murl was raised on the family farm and graduated from Pittsfield High School.  He went on to serve his country in the United States Army as a Military Policeman and was honorably discharged in 1973.  After the service he returned home and began his lifelong career as a livestock and grain farmer.  He went on to farm for Delford Richter and Melvin Musgrave for several years.  He was a member of the Hardin Township Board, the Moose Lodge #420, and the Pittsfield American Legion where he held many offices over the years.  Murl loved the outdoors, where he loved to hunt mushrooms and also was an avid hunter of deer, turkey, pheasant, and quail, just to name a few.  He enjoyed riding horses, fishing with family and friends at the river, riding 4-wheelers and the gator with his family.  Murl and Joani enjoyed travelling and dancing together. Above all else, Murl enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren and he was a great role model and teacher for them. Even though he could be ornery and a bit impatient, he was always loving and had a big heart.

Murl is survived by daughters, Angie (Todd) Grammer of Nebo, IL and Annette (Craig Westfall) Stabile of Valley City, IL; grandchildren, Elijah Grammer, Bethany Grammer, Daniel Walston, Dalton Walston, Grace Ann Stabile, and Rose Lynn Stabile; great grandchildren, Hudson Richard and Harper Richard; brothers, Lloyd (Debra) Walston, Roger (Gail) Walston, and Donald (Becky) Walston; sisters, Mary Tushaus, Della (Mike) Green, and Nancy Kindle; mother-in-law, Gladys Clarkson; in-laws, Dana Reeder, Darin Reeder, and Janice (Doug) Jenkins; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his beloved fur-babies, Shaylee, Buddy, and Lolli.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Adine Walston; wife of 47 years, Joani Walston; daughter, Amanda Walston; son, Brian Walston, granddaughter, Savannah Grammer; twin siblings, Morris and Doris in infancy; and brothers-in-law, Rick Reeder and Lynn Labby.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL with interment following the service at Green Pond Cemetery in Pearl, IL. Visitation will be held Monday, November 4, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to be made to Blessing Hospice or the family c/o Niebur Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Murl Walston, please visit our floral store.