Louis Paul Murray

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and patriarch, Louis Paul Murray, passed away on Thursday morning, April 8, 2010. Born in Logan, UT, on April 30, 1925, Paul was the third of four sons born to David R. Parker Murray and Mabel Smith Shipley.
Paul loved growing up in Logan, near so many relatives and his beloved mountains. His childhood was typical of that era. He enjoyed skiing, hiking, camping, football, Scouting, singing, drama, playing the trumpet, neighborhood marbles, and baseball games. When his father became an invalid after a stroke, Paul helped by working in the beet fields, the USAC (USU) Experimental farm, and as a broom boy in a dry goods store. He also had a paper route and was a U.S. Forestry Service summer employee. But his favorite job was helping his mother prepare and serve two meals a day for 35 boarders (college students).
After graduating from Logan High School, Paul received an appointment to West Point Military Academy, graduating in 1949 with an engineering degree. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the newly formed United States Air Force (USAF). One of his first assignments was in California. He asked a friend for some recommendations of some “nice LDS girls near the base.” Before long, he was ringing the doorbell and introducing himself to Grace Beverly White. The rest is history as he and his sweetheart were sealed together for time and all eternity on January 11, 1951, in the Logan LDS Temple.
For most of his military career, Paul was an intelligence officer. He was stationed in Japan during the Korean War and also spent a year in Saigon during the Vietnam War. Additionally, he had other worldwide assignments. After receiving a Masters of History degree from the University of Utah in 1959, he taught history for four years at the Air Force Academy. He also taught three years at the National Defense School in Washington D.C. Paul retired from the USAF in 1969, settled his family in Cache Valley, and began a second career working for USU—first in Student Services, then in Career Placement. He retired from USU in 1987.
Paul was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, which brought much joy as he sang at weddings, funerals, church meetings, and other events. He loved to ski and above all, he treasured “his” mountain, Mt. Logan. He reminisced many times about his experiences on it, especially the day he climbed and skied down it three times. Aggie ice cream was also something he loved—and he loved sharing it with everyone!
Active in the LDS Church, Paul was always enthusiastic as he faithfully served in many callings, including: Branch President in Vietnam, High Counselor, Stake Clerk, Gospel Doctrine Instructor, and Bishopric Counselor. He was particularly grateful for the four full-time Family History missions he and Beverly served. But his greatest callings were that of a devoted husband, father, and home teacher. He truly honored and magnified his priesthood.
Paul’s life demonstrated his relationship with the Savior as he exhibited true charity, faith, obedience, meekness, gratitude, and humility. He was honest, completely without guile, and radiated a deep and genuine love for everyone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Dave, and two granddaughters, Katie & Michelle. He is survived by his sweetheart Beverly; two brothers, Wm. Guy Murray and Robert B. Murray, both of Bountiful; his nine children: Marilyn Maughan (Stuart), Mt. Sterling; Carolyn Swiss (Dale), Tucson, AZ; Angela Israelsen, David (Sherry), Sharon Salisbury (Steve), Marianne Siler (Jon), North Logan; Tamara Gardner (Brad), Idaho Falls, ID; Irene Hola (Saia), North Logan; Michael (Cynthia), Evans, GA; 37 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.
The family expresses our heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary loving care given by the staffs at Terrace Grove, CNS Hospice, and Dr. Salisbury’s office.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at the North Logan Green Canyon Stake Center, 1850 North, 400 East. A viewing will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Friends may call at Allen Mortuary of North Logan, on Friday, April 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Logan City Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net