Zachary Murray

Zachary Murray

Zachary Murray Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2009.
OTTUMWA – Zachary D. Murray, 19, of 13657 65th St., died Feb. 13, 2009, at the Monroe County Hospital as a result of an auto accident on Highway 34 east of Albia.He was born July 17, 1989, in San Angelo, Texas, to David and Monica Meadows Murray.Zach graduated with honors from Ottumwa High School in 2007. He was a student at Indian Hills Community College where he was on the presidents’ list. At the beginning of his sophomore year he transferred to Iowa State University where he was currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.He had worked at Applebee’s as a host and at the YMCA as a swim instructor and lifeguard.He had been a member of the Ottumwa High School Wrestling Team. Weightlifting was his passion, and he liked to fish and hunt. Surviving is his mother, Monica (Jerry Blazina) Murray of Ottumwa; his father, David Murray of Ottumwa, his sister, Taylor Murray at home; grandfather, Bruce (Fon) Meadows of Eddyville, aunts and uncles, Craig Murray of Hedrick, Terry Murray of Ottumwa and Tammy (Chris) Gillis of Plum, Penn.; four cousins, Eric Murray, Timothy Murray, Brittney Gillis and Shane Gillis. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joann Meadows, Jim and Clarice Jean Murray and an aunt, Susan Murray. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Reece Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Sneller officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Monday with the family present from 5-8 p.m. Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Indian Hills Community College Foundation for scholarships.Obituary may be viewed at: www.legacy.com/ottumwacourier/Obituaries.asp

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February 20, 2009

Twila & Arnie Schultz posted to the memorial.

February 20, 2009

Twila & Arnie Schultz posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2009

Brenda, Blake, Kurtis Miller posted to the memorial.

Twila & Arnie Schultz

February 20, 2009

Taylor
We had just seen Zach at Applebee's on the 3rd. He had a great personality, like you. My heart aches for you and your family.

We love you.
Arnie and Twila

Twila & Arnie Schultz

February 20, 2009

Taylor
We had just seen Zach at Applebee's on the 3rd. He had a great personality, like you. My heart aches for you and your family.

We love you.
Arnie and Twila

Brenda, Blake, Kurtis Miller

February 19, 2009

Monica, Jerry, Taylor & Dave
I can't sufficiently express the heartfelt sympathy I have for all of you. I'm sure I can't come close to imagining what you are going through. I have 2 sons still in High school and just licensed to drive. If there could be any good come from a tragedy such as this, may it be that all kids, who were touched by this, will realize that that they are not indestructible and life can be snatched away at any given moment. That they might make the most of it, make wise decisions and be ready when the master calls. May our loving God wrap his arms around you tightly and give you comfort at this difficult time.

Kendra & Doug Walker

February 19, 2009

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting your son but our son was a good friend of his at ISU. I can't even imagine the pain you are in right now. Our son was having troubles contacting Zach and just learned of the accident yesterday. He will be missed. Please know that our prayers are with you at this horrible time and I thank Zach for being such a good freind to our son, Adam. God Bless

Linda Lunsford

February 19, 2009

Monica, Taylor, Jerry, and David:

My heart and prayers go out to all of you, as you know. My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Zachary. He was a very special young man with a promising future and I am so proud as I know you are with the accomplishments he had while he was with us.

Monica, I feel like you are more like a sister than a friend and cousin, and you know how special Zach and Taylor both are to me. Your strength during this difficult time has been such an inspiration to me. As you know, I am always just a phone call or a short drive away. Keep in close contact with me and others that love you and let us be your support during this tragic time in your life.

Taylor, as I have told you too - anything you need or if you ever need to talk or just get away, give me a call.

All my love,

Linda Lunsford
(and Mark, Blake & Brooke)

Gary & Corrie Baker

February 17, 2009

We were very saddened to learn of your son's passing. We did not know Zach but I know Jerry and know how much you both must be hurting. Be there for each other and you'll find a way thru. We're thinking of you and saying a prayer for you in your time of mourning.

Jim & Judy Clingman

February 17, 2009

We can't adequately express the sympathy we feel for your family. Our son, Harter was a classmate of Zach's and was very sorry to hear of his death. Harter tells us that Zach was a terrific young man. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Angela Johansen

February 17, 2009

I did not have the privledge of meeting Zach but, I was the first person on the scene of the accident and I cannot stop thinking and hurting for your family. I wish there was more I could have done for him. I am so sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my prayers.

Rita Wolf

February 17, 2009

Monica and Taylor,
My heart goes out to you in your loss. Know that Zach was a very special person and he touched so many people in so many ways. My prayers are with you.

Pickwick School staff

February 17, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jessa Tammy John and Chris

February 17, 2009

Monica
We are so sorry to hear about Zach. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Steve & Debbie Coleman

February 17, 2009

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Carol Palmer

February 17, 2009

Monica,

I am so sorry to hear about Zach! My heart aches for you and I will keep you and all of your family in my prayers. I pray that God wraps his arms around all of you during this terrible loss.

Karen, Alex, Taylor Wertheim

February 17, 2009

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

February 16, 2009

I’m sorry to hear about your son, Zach. He was great kid and touched many here at Iowa State. We will all miss him, but I know he is in a better place now.

Karol Shaw

February 16, 2009

Monica, I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful son.My thoughts and my prayers are with you always. Karol Shaw

Clint Forgy & Family

February 16, 2009

Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.

Lloyd & Mary Powell

February 16, 2009

We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences.

Steve Morrissey

February 16, 2009

David, Monica, I can not adequately express my thoughts for the loss you and your respective families must be feeling during a time like this. May God be with you and your families.

Katelyne Alexander

February 16, 2009

Taylor, I'm so sorry for your loss, if you need anything let me know. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Matt Libby

February 16, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Zach worked for me at the YMCA as a swim lesson instructor/Lifeguard. Zach was a wonderful teacher who touched the lives of many children. God Bless!

Marlene Hess

February 16, 2009

My daughter goes to Iowa State and knew Zach. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Michelle Venator

February 16, 2009

No words could possibably make you feel any better now,but just know that Zack was loved by many and he touched many lives. He will live on in our hearts...

Amy Peterson

February 16, 2009

Dearest Monica and Family ~
It seems like yesterday we were attending each other's graduation parties for our sons. Not only were our sons the greatest of friends, we were neighbors, too. I know there is nothing anyone can say or do to help you through this, but please accept our thoughts and prayers to help comfort you during this tragic time. Zach is going to be greatly missed by all... ~ Love and hugs to you and Taylor..

Rose Heady

February 16, 2009

Dave,
I'm so sorry to hear about your son. I pray to God to help you through your loss.
It may seem like winter has come to stay, but take comfort in your memories and hold tight to the knowledge that spring will come again.
With Deepest Sympathy

Anjila Collins

February 16, 2009

Monica and Taylor
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you both at this devistating time. You are in our hearts...
John, Anjila, Alixandria and Tylor Collins

Lori Kinsella

February 16, 2009

Monica and Jerry,
You and your family, are in my prayers,
Lori Kinsella (Blazina)

Lynda Field

February 16, 2009

My heart goes out to you. I don't know what could be more painful than losing a child. Please know that my prayers are with you.

Lisa Hermsen

February 16, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Zach was in a 6th grade class I taught at Pickwick Elementary--I remember him and know that he left you and many others with some great memories. He left us all too soon, but will live through you. God Bless.

Sue Peterson

February 16, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Janet Bragg

February 16, 2009

Monica & Taylor, We are sorry for your loss. We are thinking about you two all the time. I hope the days ahead will be better. Hang on to the memories. Janet and James Bragg

Donna Mercer

February 16, 2009

Dear Monica:

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time.

Sarah Rutledge

February 16, 2009

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. My two sons, Kyle and Kevin Rutledge, knew Zach from OHS and wrestling. They also went to ISU with him, and one is also in engineering. We are all so deeply touched by his tragic death, and I offer you many prayers in support
to help you get through this time.

Mary Pepper

February 16, 2009

Our son, Tom Pepper, lived down the hall from Zac in Buchanan at ISU.
He is very upset and saddened by this loss, for your family as well as his friends on their floor. We had not had the pleasure of meeting him, but appreciated that Tom had nice kids in his dorm. Tom and a group of kids are planning to attend his funeral. Our sympathies to your family from ours.

Rhonda (Motion Industries) Black

February 16, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Lori Yates

February 16, 2009

Ms. Murray, We are so very sorry. Losing a child is a great sadness, in my opinion, the greatest. We understand and hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Sharlene Buck

February 16, 2009

So very sorry for your loss.

February 16, 2009

Monica & Taylor,
I'm so sorry about Zac. Let me know if you both need anything.
Chris Sutton

Mike & Tammy Gullett

February 16, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Lindsay Cruz

February 16, 2009

Zach was one of the funniest guys I had ever met. He was kind and very caring and did not tolorate much...we will miss ya buddy!
<3 always!

Mike & Pam Mier

February 16, 2009

Zach was a great young man who always cared about what was going on around him. He and our son Phillip wrestled together in school and we got to know him. He was a very respectful person and had a great sense of humor. We are so very sorry for the loss of this young adult and our hearts go out to you his family, and friends. We know no words can help you right now, but know that we care and will miss Zach. You did a great job raising him to be a good person. We wish you peace and our thoughts are with all of you and your family.

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February 20, 2009

Twila & Arnie Schultz posted to the memorial.

February 20, 2009

Twila & Arnie Schultz posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2009

Brenda, Blake, Kurtis Miller posted to the memorial.