Charles Leroy Murray, age 80, Richards, Missouri, died Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, Missouri following an illness of several months. He was born October 19, 1926 in Schell City, Missouri to Charles Albert Murray and Beulah Isabel Barbour Murray. He married Shirley Gene Barber on January 21, 1951 in Rich Hill, Missouri, and she survives of the home.

Charles moved to this area from the Flat Rock area in 1958 and has lived here since then. He served during World War II in the Navy. Charles worked for Reno Construction for 32 years in Overland Park. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local No. 101. He was known throughout the area for his home grown vegetables and pecans.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Survivors in addition to his wife Shirley "Gene" include one son, Charles Edmond "Ed" Murray and his wife, Rebecca, Nevada, Missouri; on daughter, Mary Anna Blake and her husband Ralph "Doc", Preston, Missouri; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert "Bob" Cecil Murray, Olathe. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Roger Lee Murray, and one brother, Donald Murray.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Missouri, with Ammon Hizer officiating. Interment will follow in Richland Cemetery in Richards, Missouri. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at the funeral home. Those who wish may contribute to the charity of their choice. Online condolences may be sent at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.