Keith Murray

Keith W. Murray passed away September 28, 2015. He had a full life before passing at the age of 96. He was born in Kendallville, Indiana on December 27, 1918 to Henry and Orpha Murray. He was the youngest of four children. He graduated from Garrett High School in 1937. While attending high school, he participated in many sports, such as football, basketball, and track. He attended Manchester University for one year then transferred to Purdue University before enlisting in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Keith was an original member of the famed 8th Air Force, 95th Bomb Group, which was established at Geiger Field, Washington on October, 1942. He served as the 335's squadron bombardier on B-17's while stationed in Horham, England. Keith was the last remaining member of the original 95th Bomb Group. He flew on the second mission over Berlin on May 6, 1943. During his final mission he was shot down over Belgium. He evaded the Germans, was rescued by the French Underground and moved to Paris. He escaped by walking over the Pyrenées Mountains. It was snowing, and the cardboard soles on their shoes disintegrated. 36 men started the trip over the mountains, and only 3 survived. During Keith's military service, he was awarded an Air Medal and two Purple Hearts. He married his beautiful wife, Dorothy Wagner, in 1943 on leave during WWII. They had four children. While living in Garrett, Keith worked as a purchasing agent for Electric Motors. He was active in his community. He was a caring member of the First United Methodist Church and he was a Boy Scout leader. They were married for fifty six years when Dorothy passed. In 1970, Keith and Dorothy moved to Waxahachie. His first project was to restore the "old Grizzard sister's" house on Main Street. He was the manager for Jamison MFG in Italy. Upon his retirement, he created his own company comprised of his panel fences and handrails. He loved to play golf. In spite of an accident in 1978, which caused him to lose his fingers, he played golf with his buddies four days a week until the age of 91. His nickname, from some of his golf buddies, was Fingers. He also loved to exercise. You could find him working out at the YMCA. Keith was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a lay preacher and Sunday School officer for the Fidelis Class. He enjoyed leading music and teaching Sunday School. He also loved singing in the choir. Keith is survived by his four children: Pennie Walker, Keith Murray Jr., Susan Howard and Terry Pierce, his six grandchildren: Heather Ashton, Heidi Herndon, Thomas Smith, Matt Howard, Rebecca Pierce and Emily Pierce, nine great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Memorial service will be held Friday at 3:00 at Wayne Boze Funeral Home. Donations may be given to the First United Methodist Church Memorial fund or 95th Bomb Group Memorial Fund.

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