Donald Joseph “Don” Murray, 86, of Nickerson, died June 13, 2023, at his home. He was born August 21, 1936, in Mound Valley, to Joseph S. and Eunice O. (Traxson) Murray.
Don graduated from Nickerson High School. He became a certified electrician and owned his own business in Johnson before moving to Colorado Springs, CO, and working on nuclear power plants. Don helped in the construction of the NORAD facility there. He became Head Supervisor of Support Services of Harrison School District 2 in Colorado Springs in 1985 until he retired in 1998.
Taking early retirement, Don dedicated himself to assisting his wife, Abby, to live an independent life with her progressing MS. They traveled in a bus he personally converted to meet her needs and were camping ambassadors for Good Sam and Family Motor Coach Association. Don also served on the board of directors of KSDS Inc., an organization breeding, training, and placing service dogs nationwide to help people with disabilities live independently.
He was a 60-year member of IBEW Local #113, which awarded him positions throughout the lower 48 states. This gave him the ability to be with Abby during her treatments and yet continue to work.
Don enjoyed many happy times at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, where his grandfather lived and was caretaker. He spent days riding his bike and being Granddad’s right-hand man. Don later volunteered as a gatekeeper at the Kansas State Fair for 25 years. He also volunteered for the U.S. Naval Reserves during the Korean War, and in the NICU of a Colorado hospital rocking babies to sleep.
Don was a member of the Masonic Lodge and of the Christian faith.
On October 23, 1955, he married Abby Mae Smith, in Hutchinson. She died September 27, 2014. On February 18, 2021, Don married Mary M. Miller in Texas. She survives.
Also surviving are: his children, Donnel Clay (Ken) of Clonmel, Doug Murray (Susie) of Wakita, OK; grandchildren, Aaron Clay (Abby), Matt Clay (Krysten); great-grandsons, Malachi, Merrick, and Macklin Clay; siblings, Berna Mae Smith of Colorado Springs, CO, Harley Murray (Elaine) of Ajo, AZ, Carol Hewgley of Corpus Christi, TX; and many extended family members.
Don was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Michael and Ellis; brothers-in-law, Ted Smith and Jim Hewgley.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a “Gathering of Memories” for family and friends from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the 4H Encampment Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Burial will be in Ritchland Cemetery near Coffeyville where his parents and many other family members are buried.
Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.