Frank Murray

Frank Murray built his life around a simple principle: take care of people. He did it without fanfare, without seeking recognition, and usually with a quick joke ready before anyone could thank him. Whether he was working extra shifts to support his family, volunteering in his community, or proudly showing off the latest photo of a grandchild, Frank's greatest joy came from making sure the people he loved had what they needed. He worked hard, laughed often, and never met a stranger.

Born on January 30, 1943, in Springfield, Ohio, Frank entered a world defined by sacrifice and resilience. While Americans at home supported the war effort and families everywhere learned the meaning of perseverance, Francis and Eleanor (Burke) Murray welcomed their third child into a busy household that would eventually include six beautiful children.

From the beginning, Frank had energy to spare. Sitting still simply wasn't in his nature. He attended Catholic school, served as an altar boy, spent long days at the lake with friends, and discovered early on that there was always a way to earn a dollar. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged young. He could be found ironing clothes for his sister, selling spare ties to classmates who forgot theirs, and looking for every new opportunity. More importantly, he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. That was the true testament to the loyalty and warmth that would define him forever.

After graduating high school, Frank got to work… and work he did. From factory jobs, insurance work, restaurant management, he was never afraid of hard labor. While managing an H. Salt Esquire Fish & Chips restaurant in Dayton, Ohio, he was asked to travel to Muskegon, Michigan, to help open a new location. Somewhere along the way, plans changed and Frank landed in Kalamazoo instead. As it turned out, Kalamazoo was exactly where he was meant to be.

Frank's father had been a firefighter, and growing up, Frank dreamed of following in his footsteps. When he arrived in Kalamazoo, he seized the opportunity and joined the Kalamazoo Fire Department. Anyone who knew Frank can imagine how well he fit in. Known for his quick wit and endless supply of one-liners, he became one of the department's beloved smartasses. He had little patience for clichés, often saying, "Clichés are too easy." And when someone asked how he was doing, they were likely to hear one of his favorites: "If I were doing any better, I'd be twins."

Behind the humor, however, was a man of remarkable determination. Providing for his family was never a part-time commitment. Alongside his career, Frank stocked grocery shelves at night, worked in laundromats, delivered fuel, and took on whatever was necessary to support those he loved. Somehow, amid all those responsibilities, he also earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Western Michigan University in 1983. For Frank, hard work wasn't about ambition or status. It was about family, and family was everything.

He taught his children to take initiative, often reminding them that doing something, even if it wasn't perfect, was better than doing nothing at all. He believed deeply in education and took immense pride in his children's accomplishments. Later, he made it his mission to help his grandchildren graduate without student debt, quietly investing in their futures just as he had invested in every chapter of his family's story. If there was one thing Frank loved almost as much as helping his family succeed, it was bragging about them afterward. His grandchildren brought him endless joy. He attended performances, listened proudly to their music, celebrated every achievement, and treasured family photographs. Whenever the family gathered, Frank made sure a new picture was taken. He understood something many people learn too late: moments matter.

Retirement in 1997 didn't slow him down much. It simply gave him more opportunities to serve others. An active member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and the Downtown Kalamazoo Lions Club, Frank devoted countless hours to volunteer work and community service. Helping people wasn't just something he did, it was who he was.

Of course, life wasn't all work and service. Frank knew how to enjoy himself too. He loved music, especially Celtic music, and nothing delighted him more than hearing his grandchildren sing or play instruments. He loved reading, traveling, collecting steins and pennies, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs through all the highs and lows that come with being a Cubs fan. Food was practically its own category of joy. Meals were never just meals, they were events, conversations, and opportunities for storytelling. Childhood favorites like goulash could spark an evening of reminiscing. A fish fry was always worth celebrating. His sweet tooth was legendary, particularly when rhubarb pie was involved. Cinnamon graham crackers paired with coffee were among life's simple pleasures, and his daughter Colleen's monthly cookie deliveries were happily anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed.

The Murray family shared Frank's love of adventure. Together they traveled widely, creating annual traditions and unforgettable memories. From swimming in Montana's hot springs to climbing Mount Rainier, wherever they went, Frank brought his curiosity, his gratitude, and usually a joke. And Euchre was a must during these family travels, or any get-together. Everyone knew exactly who would tell you he was the best player at the table.

Frank's life was never measured by titles, possessions, or accolades, it was measured by people. His friendships endured decades. His children and grandchildren who knew they were loved. His neighbors, coworkers, fellow parishioners, and strangers who experienced his kindness could tell you countless stories of his impact. Those countless quiet acts of generosity that often went unnoticed except by those whose burdens became lighter because Frank happened to be there. Frank taught us to lend a helping hand, work a little harder, give a little more, laugh in the face of adversity, and welcome someone new as a friend. And perhaps most fittingly, his memory lives on whenever loved ones gather around a table, share a story, enjoy a favorite sweet treat, and find themselves smiling at the memory of Frank. The man who spent his life taking care of others and, in doing so, left the world immeasurably better than he found it.

Frank Murray of Plainwell, 83, died on May 31, 2026. He was born on January 30, 1943, in Springfield, OH to Francis and Eleanor (Burke) Murray. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Thomas, Michelle, Bob, John. Surviving are his children: Sean (Stephanie) Murray, Patrick (Renee) Murray, Colleen (Greg) Klimczak; grandchildren: Lauren (Jordan) Clark, Joshua, Fiona, Andrew (Julianna), Daniel, John; sister: Mary Ann Murray; great grandson: Rowan; mother of his children and lifelong friend: Cathie Murray; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Friday, June 12, from 5 -7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900, in the Life Story Center, where food, drinks, and stories can be shared.

Celebrate Frank's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to The Lions Club of Kalamazoo or St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish.