Charles “Chuck” Fredrick Murrell, 82

Charles “Chuck” Fredrick Murrell of Las Cruces, New Mexico, left this life peacefully on Monday, April 8, 2024.

Chuck was born July 27, 1941, to Elizabeth Celeste and C. Hudson Murrell in Las Cruces. He graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1959, attended New Mexico State University, and graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. He then volunteered to serve his country as a dentist and achieved the rank of captain in the U.S. Army, before practicing dentistry in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for 26 years. In his practice, eventually as a partner with Dr. David Warren, he strove to nurture a team of professionals to provide excellent healthcare with respect and kindness.

Chuck Murrell felt his life had been filled with many blessings, and he dedicated himself to giving back. He was a longtime member of the Sunrise Lions Club, St Paul’s United Methodist Church, and several other service organizations. Dr. Murrell also helped many people beyond the borders of his local community by going on more than ten two-week-long medical mission trips to provide dental care to those in need, most frequently to Honduras.

Chuck was an avid outdoorsman and went hunting, fishing, and sailing as often as he could. He and former wife Anne organized countless trips for friends and family to national parks and wilderness areas. Chuck’s love of nature and the beauty of New Mexico was infectious. He knew the power of sleeping underneath our brilliant cover of stars.

As he neared retirement, Chuck took up his saxophone again and found joy making music with the Mesilla Valley Community Band and other musical groups. In his last performance in December 2023, Chuck played holiday and classical music at Good Samaritan auditorium as a member of the Rio Sax Trio.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Georgetta Chappell, his nephew Charles Laird, son-in-law G. Douglas Byers, and his second wife Kathy Boling Murrell. He is survived by the four children he raised with Anne Droegemueller Carson: Cindy Murrell (Dave Edwards), Sarah Murrell Arnold, David Murrell (Heather Kincaid), and Susan Murrell (Tom Guthrie). He also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Kristin Connor Kimmelman (David), Samantha Connor Steritz (Matthew), Jordan Edwards, Justin Arnold (Jenna), Katie Arnold Hill (Jay), Nathan Arnold (Lauren), and Payton & Mak Kincaid. He has been blessed with seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother-in-law Terry Chappell and many cousins, including Laura Loomis Gonzalez and Nell Loomis Pearce (Dave).

A celebration of Charles Murrell’s life will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, May 18, at the outdoor patio at Rio Grande Winery Clubhouse (5321 NM-28), where we will gather to share memories in view of the awe-inspiring Organ Mountains. Reception to follow.

If you are so moved, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you send donations in honor of Charles Murrell to El Caldito Soup Kitchen or the charity of your choice.

https://elcaldito-lc.org/

To sign the online guestbook visit www.PerchesGrahams.com