Dallas Merton Murray

On October 20, 1929 in Webber Kansas, Pearl and Amos “Jake” Murray welcomed their son Dallas into the world. He would soon be a big brother to Darrell, Darlene, DeLois, and Delpha. They lived on many small farms in the Mankato, Kansas area. The Murray/McCurdy cousins of Mankato were raised more as siblings than as cousins. They spent nearly every Sunday at a potluck on a family farm. His uncles would sit and talk “shop” while the children played, but Dallas was always with the men, squatting next to them listening and learning. This is where his work ethic and passion for fixing “things” began.

The family moved to Boise in 1945. He worked at Olsen Manufacturing where an older gentleman saw unique potential in Dallas and stayed after work to teach him welding. After his father had a stroke, Dallas quit school and joined the Navy in 1948 to help support his family. In the Navy, he was a Metalsmith, 1st Class. While on the USS Sperry Subtender, stationed in San Diego, he met his lifelong friends Uncle Floyd (Brandon) and Uncle Reid (Enniss).

After leaving the Navy, Dallas worked at San Diego Prestressed Concrete Co. until 1966 when he joined Enniss Steel, Inc. He served as Vice President alongside Reid, Delpha, and DeLois until his retirement in 1993. No matter where Dallas worked, he impressed people with his work ethic and honesty, but his greatest impact was that he made lifelong friends.

Dallas met Betty while in the Navy, they married in 1954, and they were blessed with four daughters. The family expanded as each daughter married and eventually, they welcomed fourteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was also excited about the upcoming arrivals of two more great grandchildren later this year.

The families enjoy spending time together in various activities including camping, bowling, fishing, playing pinochle and cribbage. With a family this large, there is always a reason for big family gatherings and celebrations, but the highlight of each year was the extended Murray Family Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations in Dallas and Betty’s home.

Dallas was a man of great faith. He honored God and his parents by valuing family relationships. His integrity was of the highest caliber and he was always there to help with any job, no matter how big or how small. He mentored the younger generations, especially his grandchildren. He leaves us all far, far, better for having had his loving and steadfast presence in our lives.