Laura Jean Croft Murray

Born Laura Jean Croft on November 3, 1921 in Idabel, OK to Frank Ethel Croft and his wife Winnie Agnes (Hosey), she graduated Salutatorian of her class at Idabel High School. She attended the University of Oklahoma from 1939 to 1942. In 1941 she married Joseph E. Murray from Norman. With the advent of World War II Joe enlisted in the Army and Joe and Laura Jean enjoyed every minute of his 22 year military career. They were stationed in such diverse locations as San Antonio, TX, Giessen, Germany, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, Washington, DC, Carlisle, PA, Fort Lee, VA, Fort Lewis, WA, and Atlanta, GA.

After Joe’s death in 1963, Laura Jean and her daughter Marilyn returned to Norman, where she worked for one year as Secretary to Senator Hal Muldrow at the Oklahoma State Senate. She then began a rewarding career with the University of Oklahoma as secretary of the Naval and Marine ROTC units. She quickly distinguished herself as an ardent OU supporter in every respect, and was held in high regard by her Midshipmen year after year. Prior to her retirement, a small sailboat, christened the “Laura Jean” was officially used as a Midshipman training vessel on Lake Thunderbird for a number of years. She often joked that she ended up being in the Navy longer than the Army, and loved both branches equally.

She was active in a number of organizations, including the Business and Professional Women’s Association, The Norman Chapter of the Military Wives Association, The University Women’s Association and the Military Officers Association of America. She was a long time member of the First Christian Church and participated in many ways throughout the years, including serving as a deacon and as a member of the Care Ministry. She treasured all the friendships she made during her years in Norman.

Laura Jean enjoyed nothing more on earth than a fun party, a good martini, cheering for OU, traveling the globe, and spending time in Mexico with her family. They will miss her every day.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Paul Plusquellec as well as to the entire staff of Norman Specialty Hospital for their kind and compassionate care during her recent illness.

Mrs. Murray is survived by her daughter Marilyn Murray Saunders and her husband David of Norman, OK; granddaughter Carol Christine Hughes and her husband Kim of Rolling Hills Estates, CA; great-granddaughters Maddison Anne Hughes of New York, NY, and Caitlin Logan Smith of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by her cousins Ruhamah Dawn Pate of Wichita Falls, TX, and H.P. Hosey and his wife Mindy of Sulphur Springs, TX; and her nephew Matt Murray and his wife Laurie of North Richland Hills, TX.

Memorial services for Laura Jean will be held on Tuesday, April 10 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Christian Church of Norman, with the Reverend David Spain officiating. Laura Jean will be interred with her husband on Quartermaster Hill in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC.

Arrangements are trusted to the care of Primrose Funeral Service, www.primrosefuneralservice.com.