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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.
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Bill Lister
Dear classmates, family and friends of Steve Murray,
Steve is such an important part of our OHS class of 1965, and many kind words and tributes are being shared with classmates and posted to our OHS website! It would mean a great deal to Steve’s family if messages could also be shared with them. This “In Memory” link is the only thing accessible to the public. Any messages to the family can be place here, or mailed directly to Steve’s son and daughter, or placed on the Nepture Society “add a message to family page” (below).
Nepture Society:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansascity/name/steven-murray-obituary?id=32948563
Dear Steve, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Lynn and family. May you rest in peace my good friend,
Bill Lister
John Fogle
Steve was a close friend - he will be missed. We had so many good times together starting back at OHS and continuing for years after - countless memories over the decades...RIP my good buddy.
Jan 30, 2022 at 8:10 am ·
Mark Andrews
This is a traditional NAVY statement made when a shipmate dies: “Fair winds and following seas. You can take your leave Sailor. We have the watch.”
I think Steve would appreciate this posted in honor of his service. Slow hand salute. Semper Fortis.
(David) Dwight Domnanish
R.I.P. my friend.
Vicki Kelley (Crane)
Steve held the watch and I pray he has moved to his heavenly watch. Thank you for touching our lives dear classmate.
Terry Lay
Steve & I shared so many adventures in high school, college, & beyond. Whatever he did, he was fiercely passionate about. That was certainly true about Lynn, the love of his life; & his family. He's home now. God bless you my friend. R.I.P.