Murray Earl Hanway

1948 - 2025

Murray Earl Hanway

April 19, 1948 ~

June 26, 2025

Murray Earl Hanway passed away peacefully at his home, on June 27, 2025, surrounded by love. He was 77.

Born on April 19, 1948, in Casper, Wyoming, to Earl Perry and Patricia Murray Hanway, Murray grew up in a family deeply rooted in Wyoming's newspaper legacy. His great-grandfather, J.E. Hanway, began publishing the Casper Daily Tribune in 1916, followed by The Casper Herald. The two papers later merged to become the Casper Tribune-Herald, eventually owned by Murray's father, who also acquired the Casper Morning Star.

Murray was raised in Casper, where he spent summers working on the family's cattle ranch-herding cattle, hauling hay, and embracing the rigors of ranch life. A natural outdoorsman and a young man of many talents, he was active in 4-H and involved in a range of extracurricular pursuits. He developed into a skilled horseman, skier, golfer, fisherman, and hunter.

After graduating from Natrona County High School, he attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where he earned a degree in Bachelor of Science, Major in Business Administration in 1971. In 1969, he married Linda Richardson of Casper, and in 1970 they welcomed their son, Robert Earl "Bobby" Hanway, while Murray was still completing his studies.

Murray began his professional career at Hilltop National Bank in Casper. The family later moved to Fort Collins, where he worked as a systems analyst for Hogan Systems, helping banks across Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and North Carolina transition from paper to computerized systems.

In 1989, the family relocated to Grand Junction, Colorado. There, Murray co-owned a computer consulting firm working extensively with Central Distributing/Anheuser-Busch. That collaboration led to a permanent position with the company, where he served as Director of Information Technology for more than two decades before retiring.

Outside of work, Murray led a full and joyful life. He loved fishing, golfing, skiing, hunting, rafting, and canoeing-especially on the Colorado River and the lakes of the Grand Mesa. He was also an enthusiastic home brewer and winemaker, earning blue ribbons at the Mesa County Fair, most notably for his famous watermelon beer. A passionate moviegoer, he especially cherished film outings with his grandson and true buddy, Dylan.

In 2008, Murray married Kathleen (Katie) Brock in Moab, Utah. For several years, they sustained a long-distance marriage-he in Grand Junction, she in Moab-before both retiring. In 2014, Murray made Moab his full-time home, and together he and Katie shared many happy and adventurous years.

Murray was an active member of the Community Church in Moab, where he was baptized and formed lasting friendships. He wholeheartedly embraced Katie's large extended family, and they embraced him in return.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Katie Hanway; his son, Robert "Bobby" Hanway (Wendy); stepson, Kevin Cooper (Robin); stepson-in-law, David Carpenter; and brother, Gregory Hanway. He also leaves behind grandchildren: Dylan Hanway, Morgan Lee and family, Thomas Allred and family, Collin Cooper and family, Tristan Cooper, and Brittney Donner and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother, Earl; his sister, Randee Wilfert; and his stepdaughter, Tracey Carpenter.

Murray will be remembered for his intelligence, wit, kindness, and deep love for family and friends. He had a gift for memorable phrases and affectionate nicknames, many of which will echo lovingly for years to come. His memory lives on in every life he touched, and his spirit will remain a cherished part of us always.

Please join us in honoring the life of Murray Earl Hanway on Saturday, July 12, 2025, 11:00 AM, at Moab Community Church, 544 MiVida Drive, Moab, Utah.

Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com