William Michael “Mike” Murdy, Sr., of Hiawatha, died shortly after arrival at Hiawatha Community Hospital, Saturday, March 11, 2017. He was 69.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, March 16, at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Hiawatha. Pastors James Callaway and Ryan VanPeursem will officiate.  Military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.  Cremation with follow services, with private family inurnment to be at Laus Creek-Anderson Cemetery, east of Reserve.

The family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 Wednesday evening at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.

Mike was born in Denver, CO, February 8, 1948, one of two sons born to William Finley and Audrey Mae Ronan Murdy. He grew up in Denver, attended schools there, and where he spent most of his working life. Mike served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict before discharged in 1967. He worked as a bus mechanic for public transportation in Denver until he was hurt and disabled.  Upon moving to Hiawatha, he drove an occasional school bus route but mainly activity routes for USD #415 of Hiawatha.  In later years, he worked hard to earn his GED.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hiawatha; and also a member of Homer-White American Legion Post #66, Hiawatha. He loved to fish, eat donuts and drink coffee at McDonald’s with friends.  Mike loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He liked to watch sports, especially the Chiefs!  Mike was always happy go lucky, always had time to chat, never met a stranger, and loved to aggravate!

He met Shirley Martin in California during the service. They later married May 7, 1967 in Reno, Nevada. They lived in Denver before moving to Hiawatha to make their home in 2003.  She survives.

Also surviving are his children: Tom Martin (Sherri) of Hiawatha, Bill Murdy, Jr. (Jamie) of Horton, Jennifer Ruiz (Juan) of Topeka, Betty the family dog; 5 grandchildren:  Ricky, Mikey, Aryeanne, Anna, Alex; 10 great-grandchildren:  Kylee, Esparanza, Erica, Georgia, Little Ricky, Monkey (Cesar), Noah, Brianca, Makenzie, and Ethan.

He was also preceded in death by his brother.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church, or William Murdy Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.