Walter Murray

   Walter Eugene, son of Martin Dale and Edith “Dolly” (Guss) Murray, was born November 15, 1925, at Irwin, IA.  He attended country school in Irwin.  Walt was the eldest of four sons and helped his parents with the farm work and livestock, in addition to later working for other farmers as well.  He went on to do seasonal harvesting throughout the Midwest.  Walt also worked at the GM plant in Michigan for a year and North American Aircraft in California for 5 years.

   On November 12, 1956, Walt was united in marriage with June (Vest) Gaskill and welcomed her sons, Bruce “Ron” and Thomas, into their family.  A son Dan and twin daughters, Sally and Susan, were born to Walt and June’s union.  They initially lived on the Murray farm and later bought their home on the south edge of Irwin.  Walt worked farming in the Irwin area and at Western Engineering as an equipment operator.  He also worked for Shelby County operating heavy equipment and at the landfill.  Through the years Walt kept bees and raised purebred Yorkshire hogs.

   Walt enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing with his family and friends.  He was talented in wood crafts and gardening as well.  He could often be found visiting with friends on the deck, around the kitchen table or at the Irwin Country Store.  Walt also loved to take family and friends on pontoon rides.  He volunteered for the Irwin Fire Department and was a member of both the United Methodist Church in Irwin and the Greenridge Steam and Antique Club. 

   After retiring Walt and June first moved to a home on Ann Street in Irwin and in the summer of 2016 they both moved to the Manilla Manor Nursing Home in Manilla, IA.  Following a short illness Walt died at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, IA, on January 23, 2019, at the age of 93 years, 2 months and 8 days.

   He is preceded in death by his parents; twin daughters Sally and Susan Murray; and brothers Arnold “Rae” Murray, James Murray and Dale “Junior” Murray.

  Walter is survived by his wife, June Murray of the Manilla Manor; children: Bruce “Ron” Gaskill and wife Carole of North Liberty; Thomas Gaskill and wife Mary of Tucson, AZ; Dan Murray and wife Tammy of Harlan; 6 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; other relatives, friends and their Manilla Manor family.

Walt’s family suggests memorial donations in his honor be made to the United Methodist Church in Irwin.