Mr. Maurice H. Murray, age 96, of Avon Park, Florida and formerly of Cedar Springs, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 24, 2012, while in Sarasota, Florida. He grew up in the Bailey area where his father farmed and was a meat cutter. After attending school, Maurice would help on the farm. He was honored to have served his country in the US Navy. Maurice attended the Church of Christ in Bailey. His family loved living on a farm; and his children have many special memories of being pulled by the sled on the farm. For many years, he was a part-owner of Murray Lumber Company in Grant. He and Jane had attended First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs. Maurice is survived by his wife, Jane; children, Janice and Bill Follett, Hope and Joe Austin, Leora and Mike McCartin, Diane and Mike Nieman, and Maurice Murray, Jr; step-children, Gary Shears, William and Linda Shears, Karen and Bob Gebhart, Mrs. Chris Shears; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald and Doris Murray; sister, Ellen Tibbe; and nieces and nephews. Maurice was preceded in death by his first wife, Leola Murray, daughter, Nancy Gleason, stepdaughters, Judy Brugel, and Joann Sischo, and stepson, Brian Shears. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ for Mr. Murray was held on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs, 233 S. Main St., Cedar Springs, Michigan with Pastor Jim Howard officiating. Military honors were under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs. Relatives and friends met with the family at the church on Sunday from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. before the service. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com