Joseph Michael Murray, 80, of Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. Visitation will be 9:30-11am on Friday, May 30 with the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to University of Kansas Cancer Center, Curé of Ars Catholic Church, or Kansas City Hospice.
Mike was born in Kansas City, MO on January 29, 1945 to Eugene (Geno) and Wilma Lee (Willie) Murray. He was a proud graduate of Bishop Miege High School, Class of 1963 and Kansas State University, class of 1968.
It was at Kansas State University where he met and married his beloved wife, Marcia (Morris) Murray. They enjoyed 57 years together and raised two wonderful children. Mike was a larger-than-life personality who never met a stranger. Widely known for his catchphrases, he strictly adhered to his "never cheat the weekend" philosophy, squeezing the most out of life. Mike spent much of his time watching and playing sports. He played football and baseball at Kansas State University and spent many hours in KCK on the handball courts. Most of all, Mike treasured his family and friends. He loved watching his grandchildren play whatever sport they were involved in at the moment and always found a reason to get together for a great party, and one more “final, final.”
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Wilma Lee, and brother, Jim Murray. Survivors include his wife, Marcia Murray, mother-in-law Orvaline Morris, his brother Pat Murray (Leslie) sister Kathy Lanter (Dave), sister-in-law Joyce Murray, daughter Kelly Monroe (Matt) and Megan Schroer (Gary), grandchildren Katherine, Jake, Matthew, Alex, Molly, Mary Jane, Hudson, and Sullivan and many other close extended family members.
