OSKALOOSA, Kan. – William Albert “Bill” Murray passed into the arms of his Savior on April 9, 2021, in Topeka, Kan. He was born April 30, 1947, the son of Albert P. and Verna (Gentry) Murray.
Bill attended Whitson Grade School and Wanamaker Grade School. He belonged to Boy Scout Troop 10, and achieved the rank of Eagle. His first job was at his parents’ grocery store, Murray’s Market at 17th and Clay streets, in Topeka. Bill graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1965. He received an undergraduate BA degree in business from Washburn University in 1969.
Bill was drafted into the Army in August 1969, and received training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Ft. Ord, and Ft. Benning for infantry and airborne qualification.
During his training period, Bill married Linda Mauzey, on May 6, 1970, in Topeka. In August 1970, Bill was sent to Vietnam, where he earned the rank of sergeant and served until August 1971 with the 101st Airborne 1/502nd Regiment stationed out of Phu Bai.
After returning to civilian life, Bill worked at Merchants Bank, Topeka, until he found employment at the state of Kansas as an accountant.
He and Linda moved to Oskaloosa in 1979, where he built their home in large part by himself. He enjoyed working with his hand and for a time built wooden cases for clocks. He worked for the state of Kansas in various departments for 35 years until he retired in 2010.
Bill was baptized when he attended Euclid United Methodist Church, Topeka. He dedicated his life to Jesus at the Oskaloosa United Methodist Church. He was a charter member of Living Water Evangelical Free Church, Oskaloosa, and served both as elder and treasurer.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; their two daughters Wendi (Tod) Bevitt, and Kristi Cook; son-in-law, Corey (Traci) Cook; grandchildren, Liam, Laura, and Samuel Bevitt, and Kylie, Xander, and Kaiden Cook; siblings, Gale (James) Kresge, Marylin (Richard) Post, Richard (Liz) Murray, and James (Jan) Murray; and many nephews and nieces.
Bill was an amazing husband and father, brother, uncle and friend. He was patient, fun-loving, caring and compassionate. He always had a kind word for everyone he met. He loved the outdoors and treasured each moment with his family. He loved to travel and experience life to its fullest. He is deeply missed by his family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at Living Water Evangelical Free Church, Oskaloosa, at a date to be announced. Cremation care is planned.
Memorials are suggested to Living Water Church, sent in care of Barnett Family Funeral Home/Jefferson County Crematory, PO Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS 66066. Condolences can be left at www.barnettfamilyfh.com.
