Ronald Wayne McMurry, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on November 26, 2021. He lived a kind and loved filled life warmed by his bright spirit.

Ron is survived by his wife, Donna, and children, Morgann, Carson, and Carson’s partner, Krissy Atkinson.

Also surviving is his sister, Nancy (Ron) Hysom and family, brother, Robert McMurry and family, brother, Bruce (Marcy) Watson and family, brothers-in-law, John (Julie) Lavin and family, and William (Michael) Lavin and family. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tena and Fred Jr. McMurry, and sisters, LaFaun Anderson and Donna June McMurry.

Ron, or Ronnie as he was known to his sisters, was born in Hutchinson, Kansas to Ida Nettena and Fred Jr. McMurry on March 21, 1954, the youngest of five children. He graduated from Hutchinson Junior Community College in 1974, where he met his best friend and brother, Bruce Watson. In 1976, he graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in business and a lifelong love of the Kansas Jayhawks. Ron moved to Topeka, Kansas in 1976.

In 1979, he met the love of his life, Donna Lavin. They were introduced to each other by Donna’s younger brother, William Lavin. Ron would often tell the story of this fateful blind date. When he first saw Donna, he “knew she was the one.” Ron and Donna married on September 26, 1981. They celebrated their 40th anniversary this year. They have two children, Morgann McMurry, born in 1988, and Carson McMurry, born in 1990. Ron built a home and life firmly based in love, joy, and comfort. Ron was a scout leader for his son Carson’s Boy Scout troops. He was so proud when Carson earned his Eagle Scout. When his daughter Morgann graduated from nursing school in 2014, he was at the front of the audience cheering the loudest. He would proudly tell people his family was his most cherished accomplishment.

Ron worked at KDOT for nearly 30 years. He was a loyal and hardworking member of the professional team. He was a skilled mentor and leader. It was his honor and pride to serve the State of Kansas. He loved working for KDOT.

Ron was a master of crafting and helping others. He could often be found working on a home project, fixing clocks, building model trains, and tinkering. His eye for details and his engineer mind were some of his many strengths. He accomplished wondrous things.

Ron was a family man, in the truest and most loving way. His wife and children meant the world to him. His kindness, patience, and humor brightened the lives of those that knew him and love him. He was ornery in the best of ways. His sparkling sky blue eyes and joyous laughter were brilliant to behold. Ron was a beacon of wisdom and love. His hugs would melt the heaviest of gloomy days away and replace them with his gentle warmth. He was a beautiful gift.

Ron loved animals and animals loved him too. The family pet, Zoey, loves him dearly. They could often be found snuggling and watching cozy movies together.

Ron McMurry was a wise and loving man. He was the strong foundation of the family he created with his wife Donna. His wit, grace, and kindness live on in his family. He was a great man and lived a beautiful and love filled life. He will be missed and fondly remembered by all who know and cherish him. His heart was strong, loving, and courageous. Ron was a beautiful being. He has left a lasting mark on this world and the lives of those he touched. Ron loved deeply and truly; he got that love right back, every single moment. His family and friends are forever grateful for the life and time shared with Ron. He is adored by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, https://www.heart.org/?form=legacy&s_src=20U2W1EEMM&sub_src=footer_memorial_gift or Boy Scouts of America Jayhawk Area Council, 1020 SE Monroe, Topeka, KS 66601-0851.

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