Larry Murray

Larry Murray, 71, Wellsville Kansas, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family at 11:30p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. A celebration of his life is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Wellsville Baptist Church, 217 Main St. Wellsville, KS. Larry was born May 27, 1943, to Richard and Maxine Murray in Nevada Missouri. He attended farrier school in 1969 at Bud Beaston Farrier School in Sperry, Oklahoma. He shoed in the Missouri area immediately following graduation until 1980 when he moved to Kansas and continued shoeing horses until his death. He was a member of Kansas’, Oklahoma’s and Missouri’s Farriers Associations. His farrier career lasted 45 years and was his lifetime passion. Larry enjoyed doing many things in his lifetime. His most memorable interest was blacksmithing. He was always out in his shop building something that most people couldn’t even think up. He was a very talented man. In the last few years he was a member of the Free State Blacksmith Club and attended many farrier conventions where he shared his joys and talents with fellow blacksmiths. He also attended car shows with his beloved car “Maxine”, which used to be his mothers car. He was so proud of that car, every time he got behind the wheel he had a smile that was contagious. On November 29, 1980, Larry married Joyce Jilek of Wellsville, KS. They were happily married for 34 years and had a total of 6 kids between them. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather that made a positive impact on everyone’s life he touched. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Murray; daughter, Robin Hurshman of Independence MO; daughter, Donna Ogle and husband Ed of Moundville, MO; step-daughter, Shanlea Garret of Ottawa KS; step-daughter, Dee Hay and significant other Raymond Crist of Baldwin City KS; son, Jonesey Murray and wife Tracy of Butler MO; step-son, Dustin Jilek and wife Jeanette of Princeton, KS. Grandkids, Chap Hurshman and wife April, Afton Hartley and husband Jim, Daniel Bley and wife Jennifer, Jesse Murray and wife Kasey, Montana King, Shelbye Fish and husband Sidney, Morgan Jilek, Taylor Jilek and Taylor Lisby. Great Grandkids, Kaleb, Shaun, Jayson, Coby, Izac, Juliana, Austyne, Addyson, MaKenna and Kyson. Brother, Robert Murray and wife Jacki of Oatman, AZ; Brother Jim Murray and wife Jenny of Leavenworth, KS; Sister, Donna Iser and husband Charles of Kansas City, MO. Larry was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Richard and Maxine Murray, his brother, Rich Murray, son-in-law, Danny Dickey and Father-in-law Russell Leach. A Farrier's Prayer Dear Lord, give me strength to start this day And wisdom and courage to face whatever I encounter in my travels. Even though my work with horses is difficult and dangerous, Grant me patience for his flighty and unpredictable ways, And keep me safe from harm as I do my task. Let me remember that my satisfaction comes from helping A lame horse to go sound, and a sound one to do his job with comfort. Help me to have patience with my fellow humans, and to remember that Most love their horses and want what is best for them. Let me have respect and fellowship with my peers, so that we are Not alone in this complex and challenging vocation. Remind me that while my work is important, faith and family should Come first; help me to schedule my days to reflect these priorities And at the end of the day, when my mind and body are tired, Help me remember why I chose this profession, And never let me never lose fascination and reverence for this Wonderful creature You have given us, the horse. -Amen