William Dean Murray

William Dean Murray, 89, passed away peacefully at Sunshine Terrace on January 31, 2011. Dean was born at the family farmhouse in Wellsville, Utah on December 25, 1921 to Heber P. and Jenny Nielsen Murray. He was the second of five children. Dean grew up in Wellsville working on the family farm where he learned the value of honest hard work. He attended Floradell Elementary, Wellsville Jr. High and South Cache High School. Dean married Allison Peterson on June 2, 1941 in the Logan LDS temple. Continuing to share their love and devotion they were blessed with five children, Carolyn, Madelene, Kristine, Rosemarie and Curtis. After his father’s death, at and early age, Dean bought the family farm and was a farmer by trade. He milked cows for over 65 year along with plowing and planting the land that he loved. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, never to be a speaker or in the lime light yet he had a heart of gold. Dean would give the shirt off his back and was always willing to take his equipment to work on the church farm. He loved serving with his dear wife and friends for many years on the old folk social committees and food committees for ward parties. Dean would gladly give service to anyone in need. He loved his wife, family, Wellsville City, his home which was back dropped by the beautiful Wellsville Mountains, Founders Day, rodeos, horse riding, family gatherings and visiting with friends.
He is survived by his wife, Allison of 68 years, their children, Carolyn (Boyd) Cooper, Madelene (Dennis) McBride, Kristine (Allen) Scott, Rosemarie (Sydney) Nyman and Curtis (Michele) Murray, Brothers, Kay (Mardean) Murray, Melvin (Ina) Murray and sister, Leta Ekins. He is beloved by his seventeen grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Martha (Ivan) Glenn and brother-in-law, Artell Ekins.
Making a difference in our lives, he leaves a great legacy of faith, love, commitment, honesty, courage, compassion and service. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday Feb. 5, 2011 at the Wellsville chapel located at 660 South 1st West. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Allen Hall Mortuary located at 34 E. Center Street, Logan, Utah and prior to the service on Saturday from 10:30 – 11:30 am at the church. Interment will be at the Wellsville City Cemetery.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to the medical staff and caregivers at Logan Regional Hospital and to the very special staff and caregivers at Sunshine Terrace for their compassion and loving care.