Murray Francis Sharp

Murray Sharp, 90, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at Concordia Care Center. He was preceded in death by Marjorie, his wife of 62 years; and his infant daughter, Marolyn. He is survived by son, Steven and wife, Melanie; daughter, Susan and husband, Michael; and six grandchildren, Aaron, Kallianne, Matheson, Mireille, Nicole and Zachary. Murray was born in Erie, Kan., where he graduated from high school. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps. After his discharge from the service, he enrolled at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kan., where he met Marjorie. Murray and Marjorie graduated from Ottawa and were married in 1949. Murray and Marjorie served 35 years as missionaries with the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society in the Congo. They first went to the Belgian Congo in 1954 to serve as teachers at Banza Manteke Station and in 1956 moved to Leopoldville (Kinshasa) where they worked until they completed their service in 1987. During that time they also served as youth workers, managed a Christian community center, were hostel parents for missionary children, and provided administrative and logistical support for other missionaries working in the interior. Upon retirement to Bella Vista in 1987, Murray was a founder and charter member of the Forest Hills American Baptist Church. In 2006, he and Marjorie received the Meeker Award from Ottawa University in recognition of their lifetime of Christian service. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. The family suggests a memorial to Forest Hills American Baptist Church, in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.