George “Steve” Murray was always early, never late. The son of a man who brought BBQ, live music, and the first TV to his family owned bar in Topeka. Steve attended Topeka High School and graduated in 1964. He was the manager of the Dickinson Theater in Topeka and a boss on the Kaw Valley Drag Strip. Steve took a lot of pride in his powerful ‘57 Olds. He met his wife Patty in 1965, they were married and started a family soon after. In their teens they would stay up all night winning dance competitions and have continued to dance throughout the years. In 1966, an F5 tornado tried to take down this former boxer and tore apart the brick building he was in, but Steve survived by holding tight to the drive shaft of a delivery truck. He had four children with the love of his life Patty, and their relationship spanned over 70 years. Their love was a story for the books. Steve was honest to a fault and full of heart. He taught his children, family values and a vast appreciation for music. He really loved classic country and old rock n roll. Some of his favorites artists were Roy Orbison, George Jones and one of his all time favorite songs was American Pie, the extended version. Steve also had a love for trains, you could find him watching videos of steam trains in his down time. He loved the sound of the engine and the scenery of the tracks around the world. Steve coached baseball and softball teams in the late 70’s and early 80’s and he won a sportsmanship award for his great leadership. Steve believed in Safety First, had his children wearing seatbelts before they were mandatory and served on the safety committee at work. He volunteered many years for Junior Achievement and encouraged his children to participate. Steve would give anyone the shirt off his back. If he had a dollar, he always gave his family at least .90 cents. He worked 80 hours a week at DuPont for many years of his life and never complained. Steve wanted to further his education and decided to attend college later in life, he and his family were very proud of his achievements. He retired from Flexel after 37 years and then worked another 10 years putting a smile on people's faces at the Brookwood Dillons . Anyone fortunate enough to know our dad knows his unselfishness, humor, and kindness.
Steve is survived by his wife, Patty Murray; children, Steve (Sivi) Murray, Pam (Dennis) Brown and Brad (Kim) Murray; grandchildren, Tiffiny (Justin) Kochan, Jessica (Benton) Ellsworth, Kelby (Jessica) Murray, Parker Murray, Kelsey Murray, Sidney Murray; and great-grandchildren, Presley, Lillian, Teddy, Pensley, Isaac, and Parklynn. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, George and Alice Murray, his beloved daughter, Stacie Tuell and most recently his sister, Marlene Campbell.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where funeral service will be at 12 p.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home (to defray expenses).
Condolences may be sent online at
www.kevinbrennanfamily.com