Donald Dave "Don" Murray

DONALD DAVE "DON" MURRAY Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Donald Dave "Don" Murray will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, October 7 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Empire Street Chapel. Interment will follow at Cortez Cemetery with military honors being provided by Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75. Visitation has been scheduled for Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church. Donald Dave Murray was born in Durango, Colo. on October 21, 1930 to David James Murray and Ruby Ella Harris Murray. He was the oldest of two brothers, Wallace and Jerald Murray. Most of his life was spent in the Cortez-Durango area. He passed away in his home on September 30, 2013 in Cortez, Colo. He graduated from Montezuma Cortez High School in 1951. His passion was music and sports. He and his cousins formed a band and performed at several local events. During high school he joined the US Army National Guard and earned the rank of sergeant. After his many years of service to his country, he attended Brigham Young University where he met Darilynn Bybee at the Kiora Moari Club. They married on June 1, 1957 in the LDS Manti Utah Temple. With both of their names starting with "D" they decided to continue this tradition in naming their five children; Donella, Darren, Damon, Derral, and Daneane. These children created many years of attending community events that involved sports and band concerts. Don served 25 years as a local Boy Scout leader for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All three of his sons and four of his grandsons have earned the rank of Eagle. Don worked hard for all of his employers including Meadow Gold, Hostess, and he dedicated 27 years to the United States Postal Service. He is remembered for his kind smile and friendly service at the counter of the Cortez Post Office. Don was a faithful and lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a member of the Choralaires where he loved to sing. He also played in the community band. He was a devoted BYU sports fan. His great loves were the mountains, fishing, biking, and his family. He is preceded in death by his father, David; mother, Ruby; brother, Wallace; and wife, Darilynn. Surviving Don are his five children, Donella Willis (Clyde), Darren, Damon (Adriana), Derral (Tammy), and Daneane Jones (Cameron). He leaves behind 18 grandchildren and his youngest brother, Jerry.