Richard Ardean Murray

Richard Murray, of Twin Creek, died unexpectedly on Saturday, February 8th, 2025 at Sage West Lander from heart failure.  He was 72 years old.

Richard Ardean Murray was born in Tecumseh, Nebraska on April 24th, 1952 to Billy and Patricia (Gates) Murray.  He was the second of five children.  The family later moved to Friend, Nebraska.  He graduated from high school in Central City, Nebraska in 1971.

In June of 1972, Richard was drafted into the US Army.  After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was stationed in Michigan, Hawaii, and California.  He was honorably discharged in June of 1978 and returned to Wyoming.

Richard met Connie Hewitt in 1971 in Denver, Colorado.  In early 1972 he took a job with Connie's family working on their recently purchased ranch on Twin Creek outside of Lander, Wyoming.  Richard and Connie were married on March 9th, 1974 in Lander while he was home on leave.  They had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2024.

In 1981 Richard went to work at the Wyoming State Training School.  After working one year on "McGee" as an aide, he took a job in the security department.  Richard continued in the security department until his retirement in September of 2018 after 37 years.  During those years he continued to live and work on their ranch at Twin Creek.

When Richard wasn't at work, he was supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their many activities.  He could often be seen at various sporting, 4-H, school, scouts, and family events.  Whether it was encouragement as a coach, advice with schooling, or words of wisdom, those words will hold a special place for all of us.  Richard was a man of few words but when he spoke, everyone knew to listen.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Patricia; sister and her husband, Charlene and Pat Zatloukal; nephew, Patrick Zatloukal; brother Billy D Murray; brother-in-law, Tim Trimmer; sister-in-law, Bobbi Hewitt.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; daughter, Candi Dickinson; granddaughter, LaQuisha (Silas) Cleveland; great-grandsons, Chase and Kai; grandson, Hunter Buffalo; son, Zack Murray; son, Dustin (Rebecca) Murray; granddaughter, Courtney Derby; great-granddaughter, Genevieve; daughter, Jessica (Robert Smart) Murray; grandchildren, Addilyn, Ellanie, and Lincoln; daughter, Jolene (Jacob) Swartz; grandchildren, Teagan, Bexley, and Kolsyn; sister, Lori (Val) Reed; sister, Cynthia Trimmer; brother-in-law, Jim Hewitt; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Services for Richard will be held on Monday, February 17th, 2025 at Hudson's Funeral Home in Lander.  The viewing begins at 10 am followed by the service at 11 am.  Burial will take place after the service at the family cemetery on Twin Creek.  Everyone is welcome at the burial but the family understands that the location and weather could be a challenge.  A get-together will be held after the burial from 3:30 – 6 pm at the VFW in Lander.  Everyone is welcome to stop by, share their stories of Richard, and visit with the family.

Please sign the online guestbook at: hudsonsfh.com