Clyde Richard Murray

Clyde Richard “CR” Dick Murray, age 81 died at his home in rural Louisburg on July 18, 2017 just shy of his 82nd birthday. He was born August 28, 1935 in Dallas, IA to Clyde Brady “CB” and Leatha Grace Davidson Murray, Dick was one of nine children raised in a family with strong ties to the railroads. He followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and went to work for the Rock Island Railroad at an early age. After graduation from Herington High School in1954, Dick continued working for the railroad until his enlistment in the US Army in 1955. He was an SP. 2 Army Aircraft Heavy Maintenance & Supply Co. station in Manheim, Germany. After returning from the Army, Dick returned to the Rock Island Railroad and began clerking for them in Abilene where he met his future wife Patricia Ruth Fisk. They married August 30, 1959 in Abilene. She survives of the home. During his career with the railroad, Dick worked as a clerk, a trainman, district sales manager and assistant superintendent. He worked for the Rock Island Lines until their closure, then for the Southern Pacific and finally, for the short line Kyle Railroad that operated along the Kansas Hwy 36 corridor. He retired in 1997. Throughout his life, Dick was famous for his abundant gardens. From tomatoes and peppers to cannas and gladiolas, he always delighted in giving his best juiciest produce away. In recent years, those on the receiving end included his favorites at the St. Luke’s South as well was friends and neighbors. Dick was a member of the Abilene Elks, Retired Association of Railroad Employees (RARE), VFW, American Legion and Stilwell United Methodist Church. He was a Democratic precinct committeeman for Miami County and assisted with elections for many years. Preceding him in death were his parents CB and Leatha Grace Murray, brother, Jerry Murray and sisters, Phyllis Tuttle (Gale), Shirley Haarberg (LeRoy) and Patricia Schlesener (Gene). He is survived by his wife, Patricia, daughters, Mary Ellen Renne (Charlie) of Green Valley AZ, Linda MowBray (Harlan) Tecumseh and Grandson Jacob MowBray Tecumseh. Other survivors include brothers, Tom Murray Estherville, IA and Ron Murray (Lynda) Homer Glen IL and sisters, Barbara Ciskey Austin, TX and Kathy LeStrange (Roger) Yuma, AZ as well as many nieces and nephews. Dick was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in the late 1990’s and the progressive disease left him battling with cardiac issues, muscle loss and weakness and well as loss of his ability to speak clearly and finally, even swallow. His mind was sharp to the end as was his wit and generous spirit. His parting words to the end, “Good Night and Drive Safe.” Following his wishes, he will be cremated and a private family inurnment will take place at a later date at the Prairie Grove Cemetery in Cottonwood Falls, KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to Stilwell UMC, Louisburg Senior Center or Great Lakes Caring Hospice. To share your memories of Clyde or leave a special condolence message for his family, please click the Share A Memory button.