Owen Robert Murray

Owen Robert Murray, age 75, passed away on July 2, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, after a short illness. He had made his home in the Valley for many years and was proud to call it his home. Owen was born on June 23, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Robert Fenton and Delsa Owen Murray. From the very beginning, Owen defied the odds. He was born a "blue baby," lacking oxygen in his blood due to Rh incompatibility between his parents-a condition not yet fully understood at the time. He survived thanks to a complete blood exchange shortly after birth, a rare and risky procedure in those days. That strength and resilience would become hallmarks of his life. He was the third of four children and grew up alongside his sisters Marian and Jolene, and his brother Lane. Owen was generous, extremely patient, and often silly (making those around him laugh and smile). As a young man, Owen earned the rank of Eagle Scout-an achievement that reflected his dedication, integrity, and leadership from an early age. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his faith remained a steady foundation throughout his life. Family was at the heart of Owen's life. He was married 42 years to Susan Darlington Murray, who made his world complete. He was a devoted father to his children: Robert Joseph Murray, Robyn Murray, Ryan Owen Murray, Mathew David Murray, Wendie Marie (Kirk) Payne, JoElle Clayton Hurns, and Jory Dane (Jodi) Wantulok. He was also a proud grandfather to Anacca Venuto, Noelle Murray, the late Nolan Murray, Brittany (Josh) Andrews, Patience (Jordan) Ternus, Bliss (Brian "Gumby") Wellin, Paul Owen (Magdalena) Hurns, Jared Wantulok, and Zavier Wantulok. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Sabrina Andrews, Nova Ternus, Luna Ternus, Elias Wellin, Wilder Wellin, Sawyer Wellin, and Maverick Wellin. Owen graduated from Murray High School in 1968. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976 from Brigham Young University in Communication and Advertising, a field that perfectly suited his creativity and gift for connecting with others. Always eager to grow and adapt, Owen later earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2001, further sharpening the skills he brought to his professional life. Owen was a proud 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Air National Guard, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. His natural ability to communicate and inspire made him an ideal fit for that role, and he took great pride in helping others find their path through military service. In addition to his service in the Air Force, he fulfilled a second distinguished career in marketing and business development within the education and training industries. He spent 11 years with the Unicover Corporation in Cheyenne, Wyoming, serving as Vice President of the International Division. He then held senior leadership roles including Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Learn Incorporated in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey; Vice President of Business Development at ICS Learning Systems in Scranton, Pennsylvania; Vice President of Markets at Quorum International in Phoenix, Arizona; and Market Manager at ComputerPREP. Owen concluded his career at the University of Phoenix, where he served as Vice President of Marketing from 1997 until his retirement. Outside of his professional accomplishments, Owen was an avid history buff. He was also a creative, professional photographer, capturing both the beauty of everyday life and the people he loved. He also enjoyed collecting first-day covers, a hobby that reflected his attention to detail and love of storytelling through stamps and postmarks. He was very involved with the Universal Ship Cancellation Society (USCS). He kept a large, productive garden in his back yard where his lemons and onions were the talk of the family. Owen was preceded in death by his grandson, Nolan Murray, his parents, Robert Fenton and Delsa Owen Murray, and his beloved cat, Virgil. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan; siblings Marian (John) Poteet, Jolene Murray Morris, and Lane (Leslie) Murray; his seven children; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mayo Hospital for their compassionate care and tireless efforts on Owen's behalf. In accordance with Owen's final wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A private graveside service will take place at the VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Owen's honor to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are being handled by Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Owen Robert Murray, please visit our floral store.