David Murray

David Lynn Murray, age 76, of Springfield died Saturday, August 7, 2021 at The Manor Assisted Living in Chatham.

He was born January 15, 1945 in Peoria, the son of Richard and Rosella Crafton Murray. He married Ruriko Azuma on November 10, 1969 in Tokyo Japan.

He is survived by his wife Ruriko Murray of Springfield; his daughter Christine (husband Joe) Lee of Springfield; his son John (wife Robin) Murray of Pleasant Plains; three grandchildren Samantha (companion Justin Miller) Murray of Osceola, IN, and Joe and Elizabeth Lee of Springfield; three great grandchildren Syrix, Stryder, and Beckham Miller. Two brothers Phil (wife Mary) Murray and Tom (wife Julie) Murray; a brother-in-law Randy Simpson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Susan Simpson.

David graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1963. He honorably served as an operating room technician in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon his return home, he worked part time at St John’s Hospital as an operating room technician while tending to the family farm. He graduated in 1973 from St John’s Hospital School of Nursing and then in 1975 from St John’s Hospital School of Anesthesia. David was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for over 30 years working in the beginning at St. Johns Hospital and then retiring from Memorial Medical Center in Springfield in 2006.

David enjoyed participating in Rock Steady Boxing classes designed to help individuals suffering from neurological diseases to maintain dexterity and to be active. The fellow boxers and his coach Josh became part of his family. He had a passion for the outdoors whether it was in his garden or hunting and fishing. David was a member of Abe Lincoln Gun Club, Ducks Unlimited, and the NRA. His family was truly the joy in his life and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 PM Friday at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown.

Memorials have been suggested to Abe Lincoln Gun Club. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.