DIED
2025
Donald Murray Obituary
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald J. Murray and Fumiko Murray. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Shelia Murray; his daughters, Meagan Helms (Jared) and Melissa Havens (Jonny); his sister, Catherine Murray; his nephew, Jason West; and his grandson, Jonah Helms. He also leaves behind his longtime church family and the many high school students who he cared for throughout his career.
A memorial service will be scheduled in March 2025, with details to be announced at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Abi Oluborode
March 17, 2025
Dear Shelia, Meagan and Melissa. Please accept our condolences. I could not believe that Don is truly gone. Then I started remembering everything that Don stood for, and I know beyond a shadow of the doubt that Don is with His Heavenly Father. Don was a humble and God fearing man. Shelia, Meagan and Melissa, you have a friend and family with me and my sons forever. We love all of you so much, and Don will be truly missed.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/1th.4.13-14.NIV
Pree and Tee Mariga
March 15, 2025
It's unfortunate I'm having to reflect on Don's imprint in my life after his life. My husband and I had the opportunity to serve in the youth ministry for a few years. We had the opportunity to sit with Don, share food with Don, gain insight from Don and receive correction from Don. We made a lot of mistakes but Don helped to shepard our hearts with grace. I'm grateful to have witnessed, humility, integrity, pure devotion and wisdom from Don. I'm grateful to know through the stories of others he left imprints on many others as well. To Shelia, Melissa, Megan and extended family, what a gift you've received to know and love such a soul so intimately. I know each of you have helped to mold him into the person so many remember today. I'm praying for each of you during this time. With love and respect.
Cedric Williamd
March 15, 2025
I will miss my friend and brother
When I first moved to Boston he took me
In his apartment, taught me about Boston, encouraged me when I was down, put vision and faith in me . I would not be the man I am today to f not for Don My prayers are with the family. Let me and Scharell know if you ever need anything
I will see you in the other side my friend
Cedric and Scharell Williams
T & Leslie Torres
March 14, 2025
Mr Don Murray was one of the kindest and most genuine soul we have ever known. He had the ability to make us feel like we were the only people in the room during our conversations. He always spoke life to us and was so encouraging. He will truly be missed.
With Love,
T & Leslie Torres
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Karen
March 14, 2025
In the 80´s Don was our House Church Leader in the South End 1 group.
He was brotherly and fatherly at the same time. One day Don asked me if we could take a walk together. We walked through the South End and he had a hard talk with me.
A few months earlier I was layed off from Eastern Express Bar Harbor Airlines. I had a difficult time finding a new job. Don expressed to me that I have been looking for a job for awhile and I needed to take any job at that point. He was right. I appreciated his desire to speak the truth in love to me as a friend and a brother.
A funny story - Well, maybe not funny to Malvina but to me and Don it was funny. Ok, so me and the rest of my roommates Valerie, Tolu and Jennifer were going on a trip to Washington. Don was seeing us off. Malvina put a Tupperware container on top of the car to take with her. Don and I asked "What is this stuff?" He opened the container and both of us smelled it. He said, it smells like cat food! Both of us
laughed hard. Malvinas had a fit!
You don´t put your nose over an Africans food and smell it!!!! Why, we asked???? You just don´t do it!!!
I don´t remember if she mentioned the cat food reference he made. Most likely she did Problem was me and Don made excuses and let´s say. It didn´t go well!!! Looking back I´m smiling at that memory. We learned our lesson!
Don was really a Great person! My heart hurts to write this. I appreciate and love
him. My prayers of support go out to Sheila, Megan and Melissa, Friends and Family. I am very sorry for your loss!
Love, Karen Oltmann Gerbi
Paul Sheldon
March 11, 2025
Don was one of kind. I so appreciated his commitment to loving people and speaking the truth in love to me and so many others. It goes without saying that he will be missed - but know God too has a smile on his face when it comes to Don Murray.
Howard & Ann Loree
March 1, 2025
Don was a great example of a husband and father. He and Shelia were a great encouragement to us during the early stage of our marriage. We extend our sincere condolences to his family.
Eric Hoover
February 26, 2025
Here are details for the live stream of the celebration of life.
Kevin Roberson
February 22, 2025
Don was one of a kind. He was a teacher, brother and dear dear friend. I will miss our coffee times at Starbucks and times like our trips to Beaver Bend. Our family extends our sincere condolences to Shelia, Megan, Melissa and the Murray family.
Rene Aguilar
February 19, 2025
My sincerest condolences to the family. May Donald rest in peace.
Lilian Hislop
February 18, 2025
We are so sorry to hear about Don´s passing. We are extending our condolences to the family. Richard and Lilian Hislop
Sonya Drayer
February 18, 2025
I will never forget when I first met Don and Shelia and hosted them from Boston to witness their dear friends get appointed evangelists. The connection was instant with Don and Shelia that later prompted them to move to Texas. Since moving to Texas the impact, support, thoughtfulness and spiritual wisdom and guidance he has had has been instrumental in my spiritual growth. He modeled vulnerability in leadership and made it okay to admit we don´t have all the answers and trying to learn was we go. He will be so missed.
Allen & Trina Smeltzer
February 18, 2025
Don always me us laugh! He was the bright light in the room Every time we were with him last was New Years Eve party with the Jackson´s was so fun. RIP DON
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rebecca Schwarzentruber
February 17, 2025
Shelia, Meagan, Melissa and family,
You have our deepest sympathies with this unexpected loss. Don always had some encouraging anecdote about class when we were picking Adrianne up from kids´ kingdom. He was equally quick with a joke, smile or scripture. We´ll keep all of you in prayer, asking God to provide His comfort as you navigate this heartbreaking time.
Barbara & Dennis Jacobson
February 16, 2025
From my early days in the South End ministry, I always looked up to Don as a pillar of wisdom & spiritual strength coupled with warmth and humor. Dennis and I are so sad to hear of his passing but we are blessed to have had our lives touched and influenced by such a wonderful man of God.
Maurice Perry
February 15, 2025
I remember the walks and talks about my worries of life. I appreciate your patient guidance and hold it near to me.
Jiovannie Martinez
February 14, 2025
I´m a past student of Mr.Murray from Uplift Mighty High School, I graduated in 2023.
I remember I and my friends would always stay after school in Mr.Murrays classroom playing video games and cracking jokes as he would sometimes join in. And whenever school or life was too stressful my friends and I would go to Mr.Murrays class to skip or to vent to him.
He was one of the few teachers that encouraged me to go to college and I always remember how he would talk to us about his wife and kids and how he adores them.
After graduating, I regretted not keeping in touch and always assumed I would be able to catch up with him once I came back from college, I heard the news of him passing away yesterday on February 13th from a friend who was also a student of his.
Mr.Murray was an amazing teacher, mentor and friend to me and several people, and I know he is in a better place and his family is doing well, I love you Mr.Murray please rest in peace.
Juan C
February 14, 2025
I´m an ex student from uplift mighty high school, Mr.Murray was a wonderful teacher, he always found a way to make us laugh for every new lesson he had for us...He was also one of the reason why I would look forward to going to school every day I knew his class was going to be interesting and fun...sad to know he has now left us and may his family recover from this unexpected outcome, may his soul rest in peace and tranquility
Deborah Lovell
February 14, 2025
Don,
You were such a bright, funny, and cheerful light. I remember when you won an award for your humility and then proceeded to be super cheerful about it. That was funny. And I remember a story you told me about carrying so many items in your arms one day-food, a kid-you knew you were going to drop something, and, behold, you dropped the wrong thing. That made me laugh.
I´m sad to hear you´ve left us, but I´m happy our Father in Heaven has you now.
See you later, Don
Eric & Rosemary Hoover
February 13, 2025
We are saddened by the sudden loss of our brother. You were a man of gentleness and great wisdom. Rosemary had the blessing of living with Don and Shelia and taking care of Megan and Melissa. We are very grateful for all the counseling and advice in our early relationship, and for delivering the message at our wedding. Until we meet again.
valeria sanchez
February 13, 2025
My first memory of Mr.Murray was when it was time to meet our new teachers 2 years ago, he made it known that he was such a genuine and nice person. He always made learning fun and never made you feel dumb. He was my favorite teacher & it hurts me to know that after knowing him for the last two years, i´ll be having to graduate without him.
Valeria Sánchez
February 13, 2025
Mr. Murray was such a sweet and loving teacher, he always was easy to talk to and made learning fun. He was such a nice person and one of my favorite teachers, i´m sad to know i have to finish the school year without him .
Van Owens
February 13, 2025
Decades ago Don and I had a pretty hard man to man talk in, of all places, a supermarket. I was going through a hard time and was ready to give up trying and he basically told me to man-up ... but gently and respectfully, even humorously which was always his way with me. Later, we were in the cereal aisle and he ribbed me a little for picking up a box of Cocoa Puffs. That year for my birthday, he gave me a box of Cocoa Puffs and I was excited to get home and have a little midnight snack but when I opened the box, there was Raisin Bran inside.
All my love and condolences to Shelia, Meagan, and Melissa at this woeful time! Rest well, Don
Bev Ozanne
February 13, 2025
We´ve had the privilege of knowing Don and Shelia for more than twenty years now. Don is a precious soul, kind, caring, empathetic, godly, god-fearing, able to teach, a great father and husband and friend. One of Don´s sayings I often find myself quoting is, "begin with the end in mind." Don and Shelia were teaching a parenting class in our church when I first heard him say it. Don was a great teacher! I am sad that we have to say goodbye for now, he will be sorely missed by so many of us. Don, I´ll miss your laugh, the twinkle in your eyes when you smile, I will miss you dear friend. Rest in peace and see you again soon!
Mickey and Sharon Bennett
February 13, 2025
We met Don and Sheila when they moved to our region so many years ago. Don was a gentle and kind soul. He had great conviction for the Word. He spoke the truth in love and compassion. He always asked for what he could specifically pray for. He will be truly missed.
Thecla Gordon
February 13, 2025
Dear Shelia,
Don was such a spiritual strength during the early 90´s- He was so faithful and caring- his example of a loving leader impressed deeply into our hearts- we are sad to hear of his sudden loss- He made it till the end- faithful- loyal and always giving the gifts God gave him- he loved the family of Christ-God is well pleased with him- you are so blessed Shelia-
all our love for you and your precious family.
Sincerely,
Barry and Thecla Gordon
TOLU BRADLEY
February 13, 2025
TOLU BRADLEY
February 13, 2025
Our condolences and prayers go out to Shelia, Meagan and Melissa.
Don was my spiritual dad. He led our house church in the South End in the 80´s. I learned a lot from his Bible knowledge and love for God. He was also very humble. He took care of all of us in the house church like a father who loves his children would. It was good to see him and Shelia a couple of years ago when they visited Boston. Rest well brother, you will be missed. Heaven´s gain is our loss on this side of heaven. Thank you for being a soldier for Christ and a great example of perseverance. Sleep well my brother.
Darien Jackson
February 13, 2025
Don and I studied the Bible together. We had our own memories and jokes. He was one of my favorite people in the church. I´ll never forget him.
Tanya E Partin Lawton
February 13, 2025
Don and Shelia Murry are my parents in the faith. Shelia studied the Bible with me for 3 wks as my faith in God grew. I was in their house church with many loving brothers and sisters. Don watched over me like a mother hen. Though our paths separated, I love them for the love they gave me.
For Don, I have my own ministry Don! You would have been proud of me.
My love is with you both.
Deacon Tanya E Partin Lawton
Darlene Burgess
February 12, 2025
Downtown south end ministry he was always sooooo encouraging
Carl Peirce
February 12, 2025
My dear friend of many years as a former roommate and brother in Christ. Wished we had not lived so far apart these last years.
See you later, my friend. Say "Hi" to Bob, Wilner and Kevin for me.
P Donato
February 12, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. You touched so many peoples lives. You will be missed rest in peace dear brother. We love you!
Jonny Havens
February 12, 2025
My favorite memory is sledding together as a family. We had a blast taking turns going down the hill on the tube. I´m not sure who smiled more: Don or his grandson Jonah!
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