February 1, 1942 – April 11, 2026
Gary Thomas “Tom” Murray, son of Clyde Brady “CB” and Letha Grace (Davidson) Murray, was born on February 1, 1942 in Pratt, Kansas. He passed away in Estherville, Iowa on April 11, 2026.
Tom grew up as one of nine children, moving often around Kansas, Oklahoma and Iowa due to his father’s career with the Rock Island Railroad. His fondest formative years were spent in Herington, Kansas where he excelled in track and football. Tom moved to Estherville his sophomore year of high school when his father became Assistant Superintendent for the Rock Island.
As a child Tom and his siblings explored the rail yards, rode trains to various destinations, hid the water cups so other passengers went thirsty, and whatever other shenanigans they could dream up and get away with. When he became old enough, he worked on the railroad section crew.
Following graduation from Estherville High School in 1961, Tom enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Oakland, California and Germany during the Vietnam Conflict. He processed helicopter pilots and troops into the conflict zone and the fate of those troops forever stayed with him.
Following his honorable discharge, Tom returned home to Estherville in September 1964. He was united in marriage to Mary Kathryn Miller that November. He became a proud girl dad to daughters Jacqueline and Ann, never once wishing he had boys.
Tom worked at the Estherville Power Plant for 10 years before moving on to the Eaton hydraulic plant in Spencer when it started up in 1974. In 1976 he joined Kent Feeds in Estherville, where he remained until he retired in 2001. Tom worked his way up at Kent, from throwing bags to operating the pellet mill. He took great pride in producing feed accurately and efficiently. Through his keen mechanical mind and sense of logic, he suggested multiple process improvements and received several awards at Kent Feeds.
While working full time and supporting his young family, Tom also earned his Associate’s Degree from Iowa Lakes Community College through night courses on the GI Bill.
Growing up around trains, Tom cultivated a lifelong love of anything railroad related. He was an avid collector of railroad memorabilia and, in 1981, became “The Unknown Brakeman” (if you know you know).
Wherever Tom was, he always had music playing. He was a great lover of all music but especially Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and classic country, He imparted his love of music to both of his daughters who in Tom’s footsteps, always have music playing and played Tom’s favorites for him until the very end.
Tom spent many weekends attending auctions and rummaging through antique shops and flea markets searching for just the right treasures. He excelled at restoring and giving new life to antique furniture with a finish as smooth as glass.
One of Tom’s true sources of enjoyment was the peacefulness of fishing. He took every opportunity to cast a line, as long as it was from the safety of the bank. He was never fond of boats or being on the water. Tom found a way to share his love of fishing with Danny Keck, his little brother from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He and Danny spent countless hours together fishing and creating memories. Danny was very important to Tom and they stayed connected throughout Tom’s life.
Tom’s greatest happiness was becoming Grandpa to Katie, the light of his life. Katie spent many hours riding antique pedal cars that Grandpa Tom restored for her, going for drives in his pickup truck and exploring the “Woodsy Woods” (Ft. Defiance).
Tom passed away leaving a legacy of kindness, warmth and caring. He was generous to a fault, always brightening someone’s day with candy or a listening ear. He never met a stranger and loved to talk and tell stories. He could often be found enjoying an ice cold Diet Coke and cigarette on a hot summer’s day–or any other day of the year.
Left to share Tom’s memory are his daughters Jacqueline (Patrick) Powaser of Galena, Illinois and Ann Seago of Plano, Texas; his granddaughter Katie (Austin) Willis and great-grandchildren Claire and Henry Willis all of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by his brother Ron (Lynda) Murray of Illinois and sister Kathy (Roger) LeStrange of Arizona, and many nieces and nephews.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents CB and Letha, brothers Clyde Richard Murray and Jerry Murray, and sisters Barbara Ciskey, Phyllis Tuttle, Shirley Haarberg, and Patricia Schlesener.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland in Tom’ s name.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland
5006 Sergeant Road #159 Sioux City, IA 51106
henryolsonfuneral.com