Keith Davis Murray

Keith Davis Murray

July 1, 1942 — May 4, 2023

On the afternoon of May 4, 2023 Keith went to join the love of his life, Rita. He was surrounded by his loving family, leading up to his passing. We know Keith “Pops” & Rita “Mummers” are once again together, dancing to their favorite song “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and reminiscing about their beautiful life and unforgettable memories. 

Keith was born on July 1, 1942 in Powell, Wyoming, where he spent the rest of his life. He always said, there is “no place he would rather be”. Many have shared that he is a true icon in the Powell Community and is the apodeme of an admiral farmer, down to his roots. 

Determined, resilient, hardworking and loyal, are just a few of the attributes to describe Keith. He had the best sense of humor, making jokes up until the end. Keith had a 
contagious energy and those who interacted with him, know quite well of his positive 
influence and of his infamous unforgettable little smirk. Keith was loved and made a 
positive impact in so many lives throughout his 80 years. 

He loved Wyoming and was passionate about the farming life. He carried on the family tradition of Murraymere Farms, the 109-year-old farm that was established on the 
Willwood in 1914. Keith was the third generation on the farm, which is now serving the fifth generation. He spent his entire life raising crops and livestock, primarily Angus beef cattle. Keith started driving his Ford 8N tractor when he was just five years old. Keith 
recalled “At that point I knew from a young age, that I would be a farmer for life.”

He attended the Powell Schools where he met many of his lifelong friends, graduating High School in 1960. He attended Northwest College for two years, continuing his higher educational journey in Laramie, attending the University of Wyoming graduating in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He proudly served on the first University of Wyoming Meat Judging team and served on the University Livestock Judging team, 
winning numerous awards. 

Keith was always humble and a man of many talents. Looking back at Keith’s 
yearbooks, they were full of accomplishments, from many track awards to numerous FFA awards. He even played the guitar and sang in a college band.

In March of 1967, on St. Patrick’s Day, Keith “found his luck”, also known as the love of his life, Rita Hungerford. When asked what his first impression of Rita was, he beamed with a big smile and sparkle in his eye, “how beautiful she was and her smile”. He knew after just a couple dates, that she was the one! They were joined together in marriage on October 14, 1967. They delayed their honeymoon until after beet harvest and went to 
Disneyland in his 1957 Buick. They spent a beautiful 53 years together until Rita’s 
passing in September 2021. 

Keith & Rita created a beautiful family together, with four children (Bryon, Valerie, 
Kenton and Tiffany). They always said they had the perfect combo of two boys and two girls. They raised all four children in their idyllic white farmhouse, built by Keith’s 
grandfather and where he continued to live the rest of his life. 

The Park County Fair was always one of his favorite times of year. Throughout his childhood he showed Angus beef cattle and was very involved in 4-H and FFA. Keith served for many years on the Park County Fair board and the as Open Class Beef 
Superintendent for 55 years. His oldest daughter, Valerie has carried on the legacy and now serves as the Open Class Beef Superintendent. 

Keith had a love for antique tractors and Steam Engines because each one embraced their own story of history. Next time you hear a Steam whistle, know it is Keith saying hello. His passing will be felt deeply in the community and especially by his many friends and cherished family.