Van Murray

Douglas Vance “Van” Murray, 43, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born November 23, 1970, in Independence, Missouri, the son of Norman Douglas and Vicki (Vance) Murray. He departed this life Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at his home surrounded with love and family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Van was a 1989 Oak Grove High School graduate. Later he earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland.

He was a United States Army Veteran proudly serving in the Iraq Theatre of Operations during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

On December 11, 2004 he was united in marriage to Rebecca J. George in Pleasant Hill.

Van was employed as a service manager for Orkin Pest Control. While serving in the Army he served with the Military Police; later he used that experience and was an officer with the Sedgwick county sheriff’s office.

In his spare time he enjoyed camping, fishing, and Nascar. He spent many hours manicuring his lawn and each Christmas he would dazzle his neighborhood with a spectacular light show.

Van is survived by his wife Becky of Pleasant Hill; four sons, Douglas Reed (and Alyssa) Murray, of Camp Pendleton, California, Steven Andrew Murray of Odessa, Missouri, Ryan Braden Murray and Geoffrey Vance “Bean” Murray both of the home; his parents Norman and Vicki of Blue Springs, Missouri; one sister, Suzy Scarborough of Oak Grove; other relatives; and a host of many friends.

Visitation was held Sunday, March 16, at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 17, at the funeral home. Reverend D. Kent Deubner of the Pleasant Hill First Christian Church officiated. Casket bearers were Vern Camey, Bob George, Scott George, Ricky Fisher, Douglas Murray, and Neil Tischer.

A Graveside military service and interment was held Monday in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville.

Memorial contributions are suggested to “Going Purple for the Murray's” and may be sent in care of the funeral home.