Murl E. French, age 74, of Dixon, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at St. Joseph's Bluffs in Jefferson City. He was born in Maries County on September 29, 1941, son of the late James Benjamin and Alpha Louise (Martin) French. On May 6, 1961, in Iberia, Murl married Frances Jane Pendleton, who preceded him in death on November 1, 2007.

Murl was a past member of the Iberia Lions Club. He was a member of the Ferguson Enthusiasts of North America and also the Iberia Rural Fire Department, which he helped to establish.

He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 945 for 50 years. After retirement he worked for Circle A, Meta MFA, and the Maries County Road District. He enjoyed working on the farm tending the cattle and his large garden. He was a member of Iberia First Christian Church, where he was baptized on August 10, 2008.

He is survived by one son, Michael French and wife Vicki of Dixon; two grandchildren, Monte French of Joplin and Emily French of Dixon; one sister, Ruth Lawson of Marshfield; special friend, JoAnn Wilson of Meta; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Carl, Norman, Tim, Roy, and James French; and two sisters, Ruby Helton and Virginia French.

Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 26, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Rev. Stan Way, Bro. Manuel Seaton, and his grandson, Monte French will officiate. Interment will be in Dick Lawson Cemetery near Iberia.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 25, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Dick Lawson Cemetery.