Hursel Masterson, son of the late Andrew and Minnie Waller Masterson, was born January 21, 1923, in Kennett, Missouri and passed away January 12, 2023 in Campbell, Missouri at the age of 99 years.

He married Margie Kemp.  She preceded him in death October 1983.

Mr. Masterson was in the US Army, having served his country in World War II.

Survivors include:

Two sons:  Larry (Linda) Masterson of Senath, MO

Gary Masterson of Big Sandy, TN

Seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Terry Masterson, a great-grandson,  five brothers, and six sisters.

Mr. Masterson quoted that much has been written about the greatest generation.

All of it well deserved.

They survived the great depression, fought in World War II, helped rebuild Europe and Japan, endured the Cold War and served as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world.

They had a strong work ethic, maintained personal responsibility and had an unabashed love for the flag and country.

Masterson, a Senath resident, was drafted into the Army at the age of twenty.

Having lived in the Kennett and Senath area since he was eight years old, he was apprehensive concerning traveling overseas and experiencing the ravages of war.

He was in the infantry and fought in France.  Masterson was wounded in combat while in France.

He was a recipient of the Purple Heart while in service.

It was on a Sunday morning and everything was so quite, and in his own words he said, he and the  other guys started walking around outside the foxhole and they caught us with a German 88.

The famous flak gun became one of the most feared anti-tank weapons of the Second World War.

It's just a big cannon, said Masterson.  I got wounded and two guys got killed.  I took shrapnel in my back and hip.

Masterson was taken to England where he was hospitalized and healed slowly.

Shortly after, he returned to the Bootheel.  He came home.

Masterson married and started a family. He has no regrets for serving his country.

I wouldn't want to go back, but I am proud of being in the military.

A Military Graveside service will be Sunday, January 15, 2:30 P.M. at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett with Rev. Richard Oliver and Rev. Chris Hicks officiating.

The visitation will begin at 1:00 and continue until 2:00 at the McDaniel Chapel in Senath.

The family request memorials be made to St. Jude Hospital, Senath Assembly of God Church and the Senath Baptist Church.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Senath in charge of the arrangements.