Earl Keith McMurray
Earl Keith McMurray
Earl Keith McMurray
September 18, 1946 – January 19, 2018
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 71
Earl Keith McMurray, 71, of Oskaloosa died Friday, January 19, 2018, under hospice care at the MHP Hospital in Oskaloosa. He was born September 18, 1946, in Mahaska County, the son of Robert Elwin and Marjorie Arleth Morgan McMurray.
Earl attended school in Lovilla and Bussey. Following school, he went to work at Clow Valve in Oskaloosa.
In 1972, he was united in marriage to Barbara Chambers at Chariton, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Terry, Tonya, and Kevin. In 1977, Barbara died unexpectedly.
On July 15, 1978, Earl was united in marriage to Susan Roberts at Memphis, Missouri. To this union a son Keith was born.
The family then moved to Missouri and Earl went to work at Pepsi. After nearly 5 years there, they moved back to Oskaloosa. Earl went back to work at Clow and stayed there until his retirement.
Earl was a hard worker and rarely missed a day of work. He enjoyed grilling out in the summer with family and friends. He also enjoyed watching television with his family, especially football, westerns, The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie.
Earl delighted in his family, he looked forward to having them around. He looked forward to his sister Kay coming to visit to catch up. His children coming over to help with projects, watch a football game or just for a chat were always highlights for Earl. He also enjoyed visits from his grandchildren, they all have a special memory of an activity they enjoyed with grandpa. Earl enjoyed being around people, if no family was coming for a visit, he would head out to Wal-Mart to visit with friends and buy supplies. He will be remembered as a great husband, father, brother, and friend.
His family includes his wife of nearly 40 years, Susan McMurray of Oskaloosa; four children: Terry McMurray of Oskaloosa, Tonya (& James) Jackson of Ottumwa, Kevin McMurray of Oskaloosa and Keith (& Mikayla) McMurray of Marion; eight grandchildren: P.J. Gideon, Natasha Gideon, Collen Gideon, Kelsey McMurray, Keith McMurray, Ethan Graham, Rebecca McMurray, and Ami Holman; four sisters: Marilyn Ritter of Oskaloosa, Katherine DeHaven of Oskaloosa, Carol Rutherford of Evans, and Vicky (& Kyle) Forest of Knoxville; a brother, Ronald (& Jill) McMurray of Tracy; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his first wife, Earl was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers in law, Charles Ritter and Dwayne Rutherford; and a nephew, Rick Seibert.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 1 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Reverend David Brown officiating.
Burial will be in the Hamilton Cemetery in Hamilton, Iowa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation with the family present will be held on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the family.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Earl Keith McMurray please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
