McMurrin, Richard 'Red'

Richard “Red” McMurrin, 82, of Cedar Rapids, died in his sleep early Monday morning, July 4, 2011, at home, following a long illness. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, where friends may call one hour prior to service. Burial: Mount Clark Cemetery, Central City.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Sandra; sons, Wayne, Michael and Dale, all of Cedar Rapids; daughters, Linda Allen of Palos Verdes Peninsula, Calif., Kathy McMurrin of Cedar Rapids, and daughter-in-law, Robyn McMurrin of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Wendy, Richard Jr., Lynnette, Jennifer, Courtny and Shane; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Irvin (Nadine) of Anamosa, James (Joan) of Manchester, and Jon (Lynn) of Shueyville; and sisters, Sharon Corsmeier of Central City, and Patricia (Guy) Williamson of Walker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronald and his wife Jackie; and nephew, Steven.

Richard was born to Elvin and Clara McMurrin on September 25, 1928, in Stone City, Iowa. From his first marriage, Linda was born. On May 30, 1953, he married Sandra Baker.

Richard worked at Iowa Manufacturing before owning his own business, McMurrin Construction, specializing in the construction of grain elevators. He also farmed 120 acres near Paris for several years. Richard began working for Quaker Oats and sold the farm. He worked at Quaker Oats for 30 years, retiring as a maintenance supervisor in the Packaging Department Ready to Eat Cereal Division and received numerous recommendations and awards for his performance and innovations.

Richard played basketball in high school at Central City where he lived until 1968, when he moved to Cedar Rapids. He enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing. Richard especially liked to hunt with his brothers and spend time with his grandson, Shane. He enjoyed watching the Cubs, White Sox, Packers, Vikings and Bears, as well as the Hawkeyes. But most of all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army in memory of Richard.

Please sign the online guest book for Richard at under obituaries.