Michael P. Murray

Michael P. Murray passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026 with family there to help him to his next post. Mike was the fourth of five children, of Andrew Murray and Rose Murray (Trader), and was born in St. Louis, Mo on November 8, 1939. Mike had battled CHF but a series of health difficulties in late April saw him enter hospice at his son's home in late May.

Big Mike was preceded in death by his parents as well as his pal and brother Lawrence Murray and his beloved sisters Marguerite “Peggy” Wack and JoAnn Southard and step-son Jimmy Jones. He left a ton of laughs and memories behind for his loved ones including his brother Dennis (Dana) Murray, sons Michael (Tara), Matthew (Tammy), and Patrick Murray and step-daughter Karen (Rick) Rice. His special companion of over three decades Mary Ann Corbett and her family, Kim (Joe) Anth, Dave (Melissa) Corbett loved Dad and shared many good times to be remembered with a smile.

‘Paddy’ grew up in St. Louis on Theodosia Ave and attended St. Edwards, then Notre Dame elementary after the church changed the boundaries while he was in sixth grade. Even though he had mostly played soccer at St. Edwards, he was always quick to point out while at Notre Dame his eighth grade basketball team were city-county champs. He attended Mercy and Laboure’ High Schools before enlisting in the Army, serving four years, including eighteen months in Korea.

After his honorable discharge, he worked various jobs until he found his career as a firefighter at Moline Acres FD, in St Louis County. Mike served for 31 years in the roles of Firefighter, Engineer and Acting Captain when needed. Mike received a commendation for Distinguished Achievement from the IAFF in 2001. He received commendations for actions on the job including for ‘brave and heroic efforts’ during a rescue of a civilian from a burning building and for actions taken during a house fire, both from the Greater St Louis Area Fire Chiefs Association. He also received a commendation from the City of Ferguson for “valiant efforts to save two lives” during an emergency response. Mike was a proud charter member of and the first and longest serving Sgt. at Arms of the Professional Firefighters of Eastern Mo, Local 2665. What started as a group of dedicated men from four local departments who were determined to earn a fair wage while putting their lives on the line, is now a regional and national presence protecting its members and community. This group of 55 dedicated men worked tirelessly for collective bargaining, fair wages and benefits, as well as updated equipment to serve their communities. They followed the motto that “they can't take election day away from us” that is still followed to this day.

Mike retired in 2007 and enjoyed retirement with Mary Ann, family and friends. He was a loyal son, brother, father, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Mike was a grandfather to a big Murray clan including Tiffany, Chelsea, Caitlin, Connor, Cannon, Andrew, Aidan, Olivia, Megan, Piper, Anne Marie, Jimmy and Rachel and great grandfather to Wren, Willow, Callahan, Cruz, Josie, and Matthias. Mike was also a grandpa for Mary Ann's grandkids, Allison, Megan, Carson and Braden. Mike would regularly ask the grandkids “who was the first President?”, “when did WWII start?” and “how do you spell yellow?” He always had a dollar or two as a reward or for the concession stand after games. Whether Mike was attending games, birthday parties, graduations or weddings, he was a steady presence in their lives.

Mike was a longtime jogger (then walker) for forty years with his regular three mile route on Midland Ave. He was recognized by the local residents or anyone who worked in the area. Mike loved family gatherings, especially his annual summer trips to North Dakota and maybe Minnesota, with siblings, sons, nephews and nieces to visit big sister Peg and her family.

Mike enjoyed the local pub, especially his long time membership, and his seat at the end of the bar at VFW Post 3944 Overland/St. Ann.

Mike had a sense of humor like no other and might not remember your name, but would always greet you with a title, a joke, or a story. A man of few words, Mike was always engaging and said something to make you laugh. Big Mike’s love of family, great stories and enthusiasm for life will be missed. Rest easy Dad, you earned it!

Donations in Mike's honor can be made to Backstoppers or the Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry.

Visitation Thursday, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

Funeral service Friday, June 26, 9:30 AM at COLLIER'S Funeral Home, 3400 North Lindbergh Blvd. (St. Ann).

Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Celebration of Life Friday, June 26 12:30-5:30pm at the PFEM Local 2665 Union Hall. 115 McMenamy Rd, St. Peters, Mo 63376.