Walter Danford Murray, 78, Atchison, Kansas died unexpectedly Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at his residence.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Bethel A.M. E. Church, 411 Kiowa Street, Leavenworth, Kansas with Rev. Warren Freeman, Jr., officiating.  Interment will follow in Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas.  Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, Oct. 7th from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the church.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, 208 North 5th Street, Atchison, Kansas with whom the final arrangements have been entrusted.  Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Walter was born March 29, 1936 in Des Moines, Iowa the son of Bert and Thyra Tillman Murray.  He attended elementary school in Des Moines graduating from East High School having been a tremendous athlete playing both football and basketball.  Walter immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years.  While stationed in Paris, France, he played both football and basketball.  He then graduated from Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with an associate degree.

He and JoAnn Boldridge were united in marriage on July 23, 1961 in Atchison, Kansas.

Walter served as a barber, owning and operating Murray’s Styling Salon in both Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Atchison, Kansas.  He formerly owned a photography studio, served as a private detective and owned and operated a lounge in Cedar Rapids, worked for Goss Graphic and owned apartment buildings in Cedar Rapids.  For over thirteen years Walter was employed with Trans World Airlines and later American Airlines as a security screening agent at Kansas City International Airport.  Following his retirement he served as manager of the buffet at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Atchison, mingling and greeting the numerous patrons of Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant.

Walter was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, the Gospel Airs of the church, Trustee member and participated in the Lay organization.  He was also a member of the Farm Service Agency of Effingham, Kansas and a board member of Atchison Project Concern.

Survivors include his wife of fifty three years, JoAnn Murray of the couple’s home in Atchison, a daughter, La Rochelle (Adrian K. Young, Jr.) Murray Young, Bowie, MD, a granddaughter, Ashtyn Young and a special nephew, Steven C. Lee, Topeka, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Charlotte Angelo and two brothers, Luther Murray and Donald Murray.