John J. Murray

CW-4 (Ret.) JOHN JOSEPH MURRAY passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at the age of 70. A native of Spring Lake New Jersey, he proudly flew the UH-1 “Huey” helicopter for the United States Army for over 26 years. He was a veteran of Vietnam where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He answered his country’s call again when he served in Desert Storm. Retiring from Ft. Bliss, John and Cindy decided to call El Paso home. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, Papa John, mentor, and friend who will be greatly missed. He was an avid story teller who united friends and family alike – he loved to make everyone laugh. His infamous tales earned him the nickname of “Storyteller” in Boy Scout Troop 164 where he impacted the lives of young and old. John’s “One Liners” known as “Murrayisms” will live on forever. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Lt. Col. (Ret.) Cynthia Lynn Murray, their beloved children; Mary Beth Wheeler, husband Larry, and son Michael; Timothy Joseph Murray, wife Gennie, and children Christian, Mary, Natalie, and Allison; Patrick John Murray and his wife Giselle (expecting their first child); and his loving sister Maureen Schmeltz. Visitation will be Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Sunset Funeral Home-West. Funeral Service will be held Friday, March 31, 2017 at 12:00PM at Peace Lutheran Church, 1699 Belvidere. Interment will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 2:00PM, with Full Military Honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler Dr. Please visit our online registry at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net