David Murray Obituary

David Lawrence Murray, 81 passed away peacefully at his home in Hazen, AR on June 21, 2025. He was born August 12, 1943 in Joliet, Illinois to Raymond and Ruby (Hill) Murray who both preceded him in death. David is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Lenora(Norem) Murray, two sisters: Barbara(Richard) Conklen of Delmar, lowa and Pamela Murray of Downers Grove, Illinois, two children: Deanna (Steven) Elmendorf of Moore, Oklahoma and Larry (Cassandra) Murray of Catonsville, Maryland and five beloved grandchildren: Chrstopher Elmendorf, Kimberly (Alex) Delaney, Colin Murray, Lindsay Murray and Declan Murray.
David graduated from Joliet Township High School and has a B.S. in Industrial Arts from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His career path showed he had a variety of talents. He was a decorated police officer, a deacon at St. John's Lutheran Church in Joliet, and a member of the Joliet Ramblers motorcycle club. The family moved to Howe, Oklahoma where he was owner of Murray's General Store and volunteered as Fire Chief, and Assistant Scoutmaster. Hazen, Arkansas has been home for the past 35 years, where he worked in retail food before becoming Regional Maintenance Supervisor for Kohl's until his retirement.
An avid outdoorsman, Dave loved to fish. The Murrays also loved camping and were members of the Good Sam Mallards camping club, where Dave held a variety of offices and served as Park Hosts. But the monthly campouts and Good Sam Friendships and Rallies were the best times with warm friends. Dave had a green thumb, and a gorgeous garden for many years. He built his own garage and a lapidary shop for the hobby he enjoyed the most: rockhounding!
Dave enjoyed all kinds of rocks and minerals. As an officer of the Central Arkansas Gem, Mineral and Geology Society (CAGMAGS) for over 25 years, he was president 5 years, show chairman, auctioneer and MC at the club's annual show every October. The Murrays traveled to many states with various clubs collecting minerals and fossils. His faceting skills and other lapidary skills turned plain old rocks into jewelry and museum quality display pieces. He enjoyed showing folks the excitement of opening a geode to discover the beauty inside. Although his health was failing, he still wanted friends to stop by to see his large collection of beautiful minerals in the home.
David loved life, the outdoors and God's beauty all around us. He will be sorely missed by many. The family would like to thank the members of the Springhill CCU team and especially the Baptist Hospice group with their kind care during his stay.
A Celebration of Life will be held in July at Zion Lutheran Church in Ulm, Ar. Details to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Zion Lutheran Memorial Fund or Baptist Health Hospice.