Richard "Dick" Murray

Richard “Dick” Murray, 78, of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away on August 25, 2023 in Independence, MO.

Dick was born July 12, 1945 in Lackawanna, NY the son of Richard Washington Murray and Mary Jane (Kavanaugh) Murray. He was educated in Catholic schools from kindergarten through graduate school, receiving his MBA from Rockhurst University. His professional career spanned five decades in steel, oil pipe, munitions and auto manufacturing, working for Bethlehem Steel, North Star Steel, ATK and General Motors.

Before entering the workforce, Dick proudly volunteered to serve in the U.S. Air Force from January 1965 to October 1968. He fought in Vietnam, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

Exceeding his amazing work ethic and beyond his love of country, Dick adored his wife Diane. Dick married Diane Sue Nolan on January 10, 1970.

Balanced with Dick’s love for Diane was his love of Christ, having been a faithful, lifelong Catholic.

Following his retirement, even while valiantly fighting health issues, they traveled and enjoyed time with family and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Katherine Degenhardt of East Hampton, MA.  He is survived by his wife, his brothers Edward (Dianne) of Charlottesville, VA and Patrick (Deborah) of Springfield, MA, son Brian (Carrie) of Prairie Village, KS, daughter Kristin Bechtel (Travis) of Chappaqua, NY and six beautiful grandchildren who meant the world to him: Hannah, Luke, Nolan, Abigail, Wilson, and Margo Jayne.

Visitation will be held from 10 - 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church on NW Murray Road in Lee’s Summit, MO followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. 

Later this year, an interment service will be held with full military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the Murray family kindly asks for donations to the Down Syndrome Innovations of Kansas City.  https://kcdsi.org/cause/general-gift-donation-fund/