Steven Lee Murray made his journey to heaven on January 28, 2022. He was born at his grandparents’ farm (Harry and Ruby Switzer) near Mound City, KS on October 19, 1947. In 1956 his parents sold their farm and moved to Ottawa, KS, where Steve would spend his formative years. There, he would make fond memories in a one-room school house prior to moving for his father’s work and would eventually return to excel as an athlete at Ottawa High School. Steve lettered in track and football and was awarded All-League and All-State in football as a linebacker. He served as president of OHS Lettermans’ club his senior year, graduating in 1965. He spent summers at his grandparents’ farm learning many important life lessons and often spent his free time doing what he loved the most, preparing for football and riding horses. Steve was a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served in the Vietnam War. He received several Naval service awards, including a Life-Saving Recognition Award. After his tour of duty, he married the love of his life, Lynn Wedman (a 1966 OHS graduate) in 1969. They shared nearly forty-five years together, most of which were in Overland Park, KS until Lynn’s death due to ALS in 2014.
Steve earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Pittsburg State University in 1972. He worked in business for many years specializing in sales, marketing and finance. The couple welcomed their son Ryan in July 1975, followed by their daughter Andrea in March 1979.
Steve was a devoted husband, father, and “papa” preceded in death by his wife Lynn (Wedman) Murray, his mother Betty Thompson, his brother Stan Murray and his grandparents Harry and Ruby Switzer. Steve is survived by son Ryan Murray (Meredith Griffiths) of Kansas City, KS, daughter Andrea Kessinger (Erik), along with four grandchildren: Emma, Eve, Greyson, and Liam Kessinger, of Tigard, OR, and numerous extended family members.
The family would like to send special thanks to the staff at Sunrise Senior Living of Leawood, Ascend Hospice, and Kansas City Hospice House.
Steve wished any donations to be made to the ALS Association in honor of Lynn Murray.
A memorial service will be held for Steve in Ottawa this summer.
