Joseph H. Murton V

Joseph H. Murton V, 67, of Pottsville died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon at Schuylkill Medical Center South Jackson.

Born February 1, 1948 in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Joseph H. Murton IV and the late Edith M. (Hummel) Murton.

He was a 1966 Graduate of Pottsville Area High School; a member of the Pulaski Lodge #216 F&AM;  Life member of the Humane Fire Department, Pottsville;  a former member of the Bloomsburg Consistory;  and a volunteer with the Pottsville Lions Ambulance.

Joe was employed by the City of Pottsville as a police officer for 42 years and served as Police Chief from 2003 until retiring in 2013.  During his career in public service he was the Fire Investigator for the Police Department; DARE Officer; and held various other positions within the Department.  He was also a member of the F.O.P. Lodge 44.

Joe was devoted to helping the community.  Upon retirement, he a Pastor in the United Methodist Church.  He currently served as Pastor of the Evangelical United Methodist Church, Pottsville and the St. Clair-Wade United Methodist Church, St. Clair. He formerly ministered at the Gilberton United Methodist Church, Gilberton.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sandra L. (Daubert), Pottsville; sons, Joseph H. Murton VI, husband of Jacqueline, Pottsville and Robert Murton,  husband of Tricia, Pottsville; a daughter, Stacie Murton-Long, wife of David, Pottsville.  He is also survived by grandchildren, Abigail, Allison, Joseph H. VII, GiGi, Asa, Lyza, Hayley, Katrina, and David whom he deeply loved.  In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren he is survived by his longtime best friend Harold Kemfort,several nieces and nephews, sister in law, Carol & her husband, Craig Kramer and brother in law, Brian Hoffman.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 4, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 330 W. Market Street, Pottsville with Pastor Don Boyd officiating.

 Family and friends are invited to pay their respects Sunday evening from 5 to 8PM at the First United Methodist Church and Monday morning from 9:30 until time of service.  Interment will be held in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Pottsville. 

Masonic service will be held on Sunday evening at 6:00 P.M.

The family would prefer donations be made in memory of Joe to the Pottsville Free Public Library 215 West Market Street Pottsville PA 17901 or the Evangelical United Methodist Church 305 South Centre St. Pottsville PA 17901 or the St. Clair–Wade United  Methodist Church 23 North Front St. St. Clair PA 17970.   Please visit www.schlitzerallenpugh.com to leave a condolence for the family.

Photo courtesy of the Pottsville Republican, republicanherald.com

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