Joe Don Murray

Joe Don Murray was born June 6, 1957, to Opal (Hogg) Murray. Opal’s husband, Ralph Murray, had died in an automobile accident the previous October. Joe came late to the family with two older brothers already around, Johnny Mack and Roger Ralph. He grew up on the family farm in the Lake Creek community, 5 miles north of Granite. Joe did what most farm kids do, worked and played, all-be-it, mostly alone as his brothers were 12 & 9 years older than he was. When Joe was 4 years old, his mother married E. C. (Ted) Snow, which brought (3) more siblings into the family; Eddie, Roy & Sharon. From this time forth, Ted was Joe’s ‘daddy’. Joe trusted Jesus as Savior at an early age and made that his life’s commitment. He became accomplished at the piano and was pianist and teacher at Grace Baptist Church his entire life. After graduating from Granite High School in 1975, Joe went on to attend college at Southwestern in Weatherford, graduating with a teacher’s degree. In 1980, he married Ella Mae, daughter of Richard and Leta Beth Hileman Evans from Carnegie. Joe & Ella had their first date at an OSU football game, and he followed those games as well. They wasted no time beginning their family in Granite, and by 1985, they had brought (3) children into this world…Jennifer, Daniel and Ruth. Throughout the kid’s school years, Joe always found time for their activities and needs, all the while trying to make a living. He coached little league ball and followed their basketball games, but still found time to watch his beloved Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and OKC Thunder! He and Ella also served as surrogate parents to some in the community, including Stacy Wyrick and Hunter Stokes. Later in life, Joe served on the Town Board of Trustees for several years as well as Library Board Pres. and on the Cemetery Board…he had a heart to serve and did it as unto the Lord. Backing up some, in the late ‘70’s, the (3) Murray brothers took over the family farm operation after their stepdad Ted passed away. While Ted was fighting lung cancer, Roy & family moved to Lake Creek to farm with Joe. By 1980, they had conquered farming & moved on to other challenges…they went into construction! That was the beginning of what would become Murray Bros Metal Buildings which lasted their entire careers, until Johnny and Roger wore out in 2012. Joe then stayed on as advisor and estimator for Bryan Carothers who was like a younger brother to him. Bryan had purchased the building business, with Joe staying on until his health failed. Joe continued the self-storage business that had been a part of Murray Bros. In 2021, Joe was diagnosed with cancer of the aorta. This led to (3) open heart surgeries and (4) years of onerous travel and treatment in Mercy hospital(s) in OKC, MDAnderson & Houston Methodist in Houston, TX until his energy was finally exhausted. On Monday, October 27, 2025, with family attending at Mangum Hospital, Joe passed into the arms of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Joe is survived by his wife Ella of the home and grandson Jessie Don James; daughter Jennifer-Eve & Ky Seibert of Aurora, Colorado, son Daniel and wife Paige Murray of Houston, TX, daughter Ruthie Murray of Hydro; daughter Stacy & husband Tracer Martin of Durant; & son Hunter & wife Sunni Stokes of Elk City; (8) biological grandchildren; Buddy, Jessie, & Stephen James, Kaeden Seibert, & Bella Leckie, Luke, Cole, & Reid Joseph Murray &(10) “adopted” grandchildren Jentri, Jensen, Jasper Tuff, and Tracer Lane, Jewlie, Eiland, Nolan, Bodhi, Arrow, & Honor Leigh & (2) step-grandchildren Aubrianna & Skylar; all of them loved dearly; (3) siblings; Johnny Murray and wife Judy, Roger Murray and wife Shirley of Granite, and Roy Snow of Tennessee. Joe is also survived by his Grace Baptist Church family, and a host of other relatives and friends…. Joe Don Murray & his heart of gold will be greatly missed! Family will be present to receive friends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M., People’s Funeral Home, located at 1400 W. Main, Lone Wolf, OK, 73655, 580-846-9018. Memorial services for Joe will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, 2:00 P.M., at Granite High School Auditorium, 507 West 6th St. in Granite. Interment to follow at Granite City Cemetery. City crew will lead those desiring to the cemetery with escorts by police & fire dept. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society and Grace Baptist Church. Online condolences for Joe can be made by visiting www.peoplescoopersativefuneralhome.com

Joe Don Murray

June 6, 1957 - October 27, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Joe Don Murray

June 6, 1957 - October 27, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information