Eugene Duane Murray

Eugene “Gene” Duane Murray passed away going to his heavenly home, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Cedarhurst Senior Living, following complications from pneumonia and congestive heart failure. Gene was surrounded by his children. 

Gene was born to Dale and Lorine (Watts) Murray on May 20, 1940, in his childhood home, Axtell, Kansas. He was raised on the family farm 6 miles north of Axtell, with his 6 brothers and 7 sisters. Gene attended Country School and graduated from Summerfield High School in 1959, where he competed in football, a proud athlete of the Fighting Irish. Gene married Viola Rose Murray on May 29, 1960, and they moved to Topeka, Kansas. Gene was the ultimate family man, husband, father, brother, uncle and son. He cherished his people. Gene and Viola purchased their country home in Auburn, Kansas in 1969. Gene was a winner through and through, never giving up on his ideas and dreams. When in High School, he had the goal of one day being a general contractor. Gene learned the trade in his early years from his father, then continued his work as an apprentice carpenter through the local carpenter’s union. He would continue his field of study working for various contractors and leading crews of 100 plus and projects ranging in size from 5 million to 30 million. In 1984 Gene and Viola started their own construction company, which would complete more than 370,000,000 million in projects until Gene’s retirement. Gene and Viola were entrepreneurs and teammates for their entire marriage of 54 years until Viola’s passing in 2014. Gene loved his grandkids and found the most joy in their activities and lives. He would cheer them on at their events. He was a proud father and grandfather ‘til the very end.

Gene’s hobbies included cattle and cattle ranching, fishing, hunting, and cheering on his grandkids. Gene was a life-long learner and avid reader. He had a love for sports and followed the Jayhawks, Wildcats and Chiefs! Gene enjoyed reminiscing with friends about the good times of childhood during their annual summer gathering where they would cheer him on to “run another touchdown for the Fighting Irish”.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Viola Rose (2014); brothers, Glen, Wayne, Lawrence, Steve, William and Ralph Murray; sisters, Lois Wehl and Marilyn Murray. 

He is survived by sons, Greg (Deena) of Berryton, KS, Scott (Dawn) of Auburn, KS and Larry (Tammie) Jackson of Auburn, KS; daughter, Debbie (Mike) of Topeka, KS; grandchildren, Lindsay (Eric) Duncan, Bryan Murray, Kelsey (Rodger) Schmidt, Gunnar Murray, Bowan Murray, Bishop Murray, Ryley Gibson, MacKenzie and Dagan Murray, 4 great grandchildren, Logan and Grant Duncan, Cheyenne and Josie Schmidt; sisters, Violet (Dick) Howat, Clarabelle, Linda (Duane) Braddock, Wanda (Doug) Edwards and Shirley and many nieces and nephews. 

Services will begin with a visitation where the family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday, October 7, 2024 at Dove Cremation and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS. The funeral will be held, and livestreamed, at 10:00am, Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Auburn Cemetery in Auburn, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to Elara Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66614 or to the Auburn Community Center, 121 W 11th St, Auburn, KS 66402.

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