Trooper John McMurray
John Bryant McMurray was born February 22, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from St. John’s Military School in 1955 and attended the University of Iowa, where he studied mathematics and chemistry. McMurray served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1962.
McMurray joined the Patrol on October 1, 1962, and attended Patrol school at the University of Kansas. Upon graduation, he was stationed in Manhattan.
On December 6, 1964, at 12:41 a.m., Trooper McMurray was working with Trooper Jay Locy and Trooper Donald Burns on a speed enforcement lane on K-18 between Manhattan and Ogden. The three troopers had their patrol cars parked on the shoulder of K-18. McMurray was standing behind his car (the middle of the 3 patrol cars) putting his camera into the trunk.
A drunk driver, later found to have a Blood Alcohol Content of .168, passed the first patrol car then swerved onto the shoulder striking McMurray and the rear of his car. McMurray suffered severe injuries in the collision.
McMurray died of his injuries on December 9, 1964, at the hospital. He was survived by his wife and daughter. The drunk driver was convicted of Driving Under the Influence and Manslaughter.
Memorial Highway:
The portion of K-18 from its junction with interstate highway 70, then northeast to the western city limits of the city of Manhattan, is hereby designated as the Trooper John McMurray memorial highway.
