Merlin L. "Jerry" Murray

Merlin “Jerry” Murray, 90, died Friday, September 4, 2015, at MCHHS in Beloit, KS. Jerry was born August 15, 1925, outside of Webber, KS, to James and Nettie (Diamond) Murray.

Jerry has celebrated 69 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Bangs on May 26, 1946. To this union there were three children.

Jerry was a graduate of Montrose Rural High School, and taught and coached in various locations in Kansas. He carried forth his love of sports in refereeing football, basketball, and coached baseball. His greatest love was following KU Basketball with his best friend, Sam Wagner, a former student. Many hours were spent writing statistics and discussing strategies during the games.

Upon retirement in 1987, from Coffeyville, KS, they moved to Mankato, KS. During retirement they took many trips, worked in the community with Lions Club, Meals on Wheels, the Thrift Shop, Church, and selling tickets for Rock Hills High School games.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Nettie Murray, and siblings; Aaron Murray, Virginia Hanson, Eugene Murray, Russell Murray, Eunice Hughes, Charles Robert Murray.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of the home, daughter, Sylvia and husband Dwayne Drews, of Afton, OK, son Bruce and wife Teresa Murray, of Rose Hill, KS, and son Mark Murray, of Kansas City, MO, 2 grandchildren, Ryan Reiman and Trevor Reiman, 6 step grandchildren, David Drews, Derrick Drews, Annie Batten, Darren Thornton, Coty Thornton, and Liz Edwards, 3 great grandchildren, Brendan Reiman, Chandler Reiman, and Macyn Reiman, and 8 step great grandchildren, Dylan Drews, Natalie Drews, Andrew Batten, Izabel Batten, Aiden Drews, Tim Thornton, Marrissa Thornton, and Issabella Thornton.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at Harmony Methodist Church, in Mankato, KS.

Memorials can be made to Montrose High School Scholarship Fund at Melby Mortuary or State Exchange Bank.