Dr. Thomas Martin Murray, age 71, passed away at his home in Grandview, Missouri, on July 10, 2026.
Tom was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 12, 1954, to William Murray Jr. and Marjorie Knight Murray. He attended Memorial High School in Tulsa and then entered the US Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country for over ten years in the US, Japan, and Korea. After an honorable discharge from the Marines, Tom moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he managed customer relations for a provider of travel services and managed a fast-moving convenience store.
After moving back to Tulsa in 2001, Tom had the good fortune to meet several members of the chiropractic profession and soon realized he had found his true calling in life – to be a chiropractor and help others lead a healthy and pain-free life. Tom enrolled at Cleveland Chiropractic College in Overland Park, Kansas, and earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2011.
Tom opened his own chiropractic clinic in Raytown, Missouri, specializing in pain relief and the treatment of spinal and joint conditions. With Tom’s endearing personality, constant smile, passion for lifelong learning and growth, and deep dedication to his patients, his practice soon thrived.
In addition to his professional practice, Tom dedicated many years to serving his fellow veteran brothers and sisters as a member, then as the treasurer, a service officer and a Commander, of the Queen City chapter of the Disabled American Veterans Post 1000 in Independence, Missouri. Tom also served as a board member of the Kansas City Police Athletic League and volunteered for over seven years as the unofficial Team Chiropractor for the Grandview High School boys and girls track and field teams.
Tom was also a member of Rotary of Raytown, an international organization, based on “Others Above Self” and Service, where Tom served two terms as President. Over the years he participated in numerous projects and loved to serve on the scholarship committee. He was one of the club’s top recruiters.
Tom was always quick to support the needs of his community, schools, and students, and he took any opportunity to give a hand up to those in need. He had a habit of carrying a $100 bill, just in case someone needed it. (His mother taught him that.)
His favorite projects were Shoes for Orphan Souls, drilling boreholes in Africa for water wells, and Kansas City Scholars with Rotary.
Tom’s family and friends will remember him as one of the funniest, most joyful people they have ever known. Tom would often begin a conversation by telling a joke, and a phone call from Tom might consist of nothing but the latest joke he had heard. His oversized laugh was so infectious, everyone around him could not help joining in the laughter.
For the past five years, in Grandview, Missouri, Tom was happily married to his adoring wife, Wanda Jean Murray (Cooper), whom he completely cherished in return. Wanda said Tom brought color and fun into her life and shared a foundation of Jesus in their marriage.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda; four siblings; two children; three stepchildren; two grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; and thousands of friends and patients. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tom’s top passion was loving and living for Jesus. It was the foundation of his marriage, his occupation, and his life. During the past seven months especially, Jesus was his Rock and sustainer. Tom often took the occasion of staff and visitors coming through his hospital and rehab rooms to pray for them, and it was not unusual for him to give them a Father’s Blessing. He loved Jesus and liked to “play” with Him. When Tom prayed for an answer to something, Jesus gave it to him with a playful, endearing “shove.” Tom would chuckle and be physically swayed.
A service to honor Tom’s life will be held at 2-5 PM on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Fraps-Fain-Balkom Memorial VFW Post 1000 at 1002 E. US Hwy 24 in Independence, MO. 64050. Come in the back door. This is wheel-chair accessible.
Tom’s life will be honored by veterans and friends on motorcycles as they escort him on the long last ride signifying the eternal highway as he arrives at his Celebration of Life at 2:00. They will travel from Grandview, MO and end at the Celebration of Life, in Independence, MO. There will be special remarks that begin at 2:30 followed by Military Honors at 3:00.
If you have a motorcycle and ride, you are invited to join them on this journey; you need not be a vet. Please call Big John 816 516-0862 if you would like to join this caravan.
To make a donation: click on the link below OR mail to Wanda Murray at 14407 Bristol Ave. Grandview, MO 64030 AND state which organization you want to receive your donation.
Holy Spirit Led Equine-Assisted Coaching, a Bible Academy under the direction of Wanda Eastwood and Wanda Murray equipping women in the Kingdom of God to lead in Biblical truths.
Veterans Community Project, offers a unique solution for homeless veterans. Located at 89th and Troost, the VCP Village features 49 fully furnished tiny homes designed to provide transitional housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. This innovative model not only offers shelter but also aims to restore dignity and stability to the lives of veterans.
