Obituary of Edson W Murray

Edson Walter Murray, of Treasure Island, FL, passed away on November 2, 2023, at the age of 99. He was born on February 26, 1924, in Sullivan, Indiana, and later resided in Rensselaer, Indiana, Elk Rapids, Michigan, and Treasure Island, Florida. Edson served his country with honor and distinction, enlisting in the United States Navy in 1942 as an Electronics Technician. He served with the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 11th fleets, both in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, primarily on the USS Dashiell and other destroyers. Edson was awarded five campaign ribbons and two battle stars for his service in Okinawa and the Philippines.

After his military service, Edson embarked on a successful career. He worked in industry for ten years before establishing his own company, Edson W. Murray & Associates, with offices in Chicago and Rensselaer. He also served as the President of Murrays Inc., an Actuarial service, specializing in executive compensation. Edson was a respected member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Certified Life Underwriters, American Society of Pension Actuaries, International Association of Financial Planners, National Association of Life Underwriters, Society of Financial Service Professionals, and Society of Pension Actuaries.

Edson was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to Janice Sage Murray from 1949 until her passing in 1984. He later married Gloria Kurrack Murray in 1993, making their lives together for 30 years until his death. Edson is survived by his spouse Gloria Murray, his children Ann Murray (Mike Hurtubise), and Marcia Hall (Tom), stepchildren Tom Kurrack (Angie), Kim Johnson (Jeff), Jason Kurrack (Brenda), and Craig Kurrack (Julie), as well as his grandchildren Spencer Hall (Anja), Trevor Hall, step-grandchildren Noah Kurrack (Fabiola), Josh Kurrack, Lilly Kurrack,
Ainsley Kurrack, Connor Kurrack, Beth Massey (Marshall), and Sean Hurtubise (Jessie). He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Nelle Murray and his sibling Tom Murray (Sue).

Edson was a man of many accomplishments and interests. He graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1942, and Culver Military Academy, Naval Summer School in the same year. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1949, with additional coursework at Purdue and DePaul universities.

Outside of his work, Edson enjoyed various hobbies and received numerous accolades for his contributions to the community. Edson was very involved with Rotary International, a service organization, having served as a past president of the Rensselaer I Rotary Club as well as District Governor for Northern Indiana. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and particularly proud of having achieved over 50 years of perfect attendance with Rotary. He was also past president of the Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce. A proud member of his college fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi, Edson went on to be president of Alpha Delta Phi International. In Florida, Edson was a past member of the Pass-a-grille and St. Pete Yacht Clubs and the Power Squadron. He served twice on the Key Capri Condo Association Board. Professionally, he was honored with the National Quality Award thirteen times and received the State of Indiana Governor's Voluntary Action Program Community Service Award, the President's Award by Jasper County Industrial Foundation, and was a St. Joseph's College Father Gross Fellow. Recent honors include his 70-year certificate from Masonic Scottish Rite of Indiana. Edson was also recognized as the 2005 RCHS Outstanding Alumnus and served as the Grand Marshal of Little Cousin Jasper Day.

Edson found solace and community in his faith. He worshiped at First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg, FL, First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids, MI, and First Presbyterian Church of Rensselaer IN. He was an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church and served on numerous committees at the church, presbytery and synod levels.

A visitation will take place Friday, November 10th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 MLK Street North in St. Petersburg, FL. A celebration of Edson’s life will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg, 701 N Beach Drive.

A graveside service will be held on a future date in Rensselaer, IN. Edson Walter Murray will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of dedication, service, and love will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome a donation to either First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg, Elk Rapids Presbyterian Church, or the Janice Sage Murray Fund of the Jasper-Newton Community Foundation in Rensselaer, IN.