Gene W. Murray

Gene W. Murray, age 87, of Paola, Kansas, died peacefully at his home on August 1, 2015. Gene was born June 29, 1928 at Louisburg, Kansas. He was the younger of two children born to Herman and Margaret (Thomas) Murray. He grew up in Louisburg and graduated from Louisburg High School with the Class of 1946. He attended Fort Scott Community College on a football scholarship and lettered in 1946. Gene was united in marriage to Helen Earline Brown on March 16, 1949 at Kansas City, Missouri. They made their home in Kansas City and moved to Paola in 1954. They raised four children. He served his country with the United States Air Force during the Korean War in the 15th Radio Squadron and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was an intelligence coder for the mobile United States Security Service during his military duty and was proficient in translating the Morse Code. Japan, Alaska, and Korea were a few of the places he had been stationed. Gene was honorably discharged December 6, 1952. Gene worked 18 years for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company maintaining the microwave tower electronics. In 1969, he and Earline purchased a radio and television retail business in Paola, which they renamed Murray Radio and TV. Gene started a cable television operation in Paola and surrounding communities in 1972. Gene and Earline sold their business in 1991. He was the co-founder of the Louisburg USD 416 Endowment Association along with his sister Maxine Kirkpatrick. His memberships included the American Legion, VFW, Elks, Jaycees, Miami County Economic Development, State Highway Advisory Commission, and Christmas in October. Gene served on the board of directors for the Citizen"s State Bank for 39 years. His church membership was with the First Christian Church of Paola where he served in many capacities. Gene had a variety of hobbies including stained glass, fishing, golf, traveling, and watching high school sports. Many of his stained glass pieces can be found around the Paola Square and at the Miami County Hospital. The Murray Party Fishing Trips began in 1974 and were an annual event for several decades. He was devoted to coaching baseball for his sons and many other boys. Coaching baseball with an emphasis on sportsmanship was a passion of Gene's for over twenty years. Gene was a big fan of KU sports, the Royals, and the Chiefs. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Earline who died February 18, 2010. Gene is survived by his children Kent and his wife Glenna of rural Garnett, Keith and his wife Gail of Shawnee, KS, Donna and her husband Charlie of rural Centerville, KS, and Kevin and his wife Penny of Wylie, Texas, sister Maxine Kirkpatrick of Olathe, 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, many other relatives and a host of friends. Gene will be remembered for his generosity to the community. He could be seen proudly wearing his green tuxedo on St. Patrick's Day and was nicknamed the "Grand Leprechaun" of Paola. His infectious smile and laughter will never be forgotten. Contributions in memory of Gene can be made to American Legion Post 156 Baseball, Miami County Cancer Foundation, or Paola First Christian Church and sent in care of the funeral home. To leave a special message for Gene's family, please click the "Share Memories" tab above.