Tony Murray

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Tony L. Murray, 80, of Baxter Springs, KS passed from this life on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at his home with his family at his side.

Tony was born September 11, 1943, in Picher, OK to Floyd Leroy and Margarette Ann (Evans) Murray. Tony graduated from Picher High School with the class of 1962. Like Tony said, “Once a Gorilla, always a Gorilla”. He took great pride in his Picher heritage.








Tony was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Fern E. (Wichman) Murray on April 11, 1964, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. 

Tony started his career as a master carpenter, he would later go to work for Yellow Freight in Baxter Springs working in parts, body repair, transmission repair, and retired as mechanic in 1997, after 30 years of service. He volunteered his time with the local Meals on Wheels delivering meals around the area. He had his own home business sharpening saw blades and doing various repairs. He enjoyed doing yard work and spending time in his garden. He and Fern gave away large amounts of produce to people over the years. 

He enjoyed his fishing trips with his buddies and his normal coffee group that you could often find at McDonald’s, Casey’s, or the local Weston’s restaurant in town. He was an avid fan of the OU Sooners and Green Bay Packers. His greatest enjoyment was following his grandsons around to music and sporting events.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Margarette Murray, and Cousin Larry Evans.

Tony is survived by his wife Fern of the home; son, Kipp Murray of Joplin, MO; daughter, Beth Shockley and husband Rick of Baxter Springs, KS; sister, Linda Zeigler of Pryor, OK; niece, Sherri Wisdom of Pryor, OK; cousin, Debbie Evans of Pryor, OK; three grandsons, Aaron Shockley and wife Morgan of Frontenac, KS, Colten Shockley of Baxter Springs, KS, and Carson Shockley of Baxter Springs, KS; one great grandson, Otto Shockley; Along with many cousins and numerous life long friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Grace Community Church, Riverton, KS. Pastor’s Wes Davis and Aaron Zustiak will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. In Lieu of flowers the family ask memorial donations to be made to the local Meals on Wheels Chapter or Missions at Grace Community Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.