Edward Lee Murdock

Edward Lee Murdock went to be with his Lord and Savior April 15, 2016, at the age of 82 in Phoenix, AZ. Edward was born in Los Angeles County, CA, on June 5, 1933. He graduated from Perris Union High School in Perris, CA in 1951 and joined the Air Force in 1952 where he flew on 50 bomber missions over North Korea. He received the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Edward attended Arizona State University where he met his wife, Ellen, on a blind date arranged by his landlady and Ellen's mother. Edward received his BA at Chapman College in Orange, CA, and his MA in Special Education from Northern Arizona University. He used his degree in teaching special education students at Bagdad, AZ in both the elementary and the high school. He was also Director of Special Education for the Bagdad School District. His musical talents have been blessing others since he was a young boy, playing the clarinet, oboe, and tenor saxophone during his school years. His saxophone and "crooning" voice in dance band caused many a young girl to "swoon". Edward was a member of many choirs throughout the years. He performed as the tenor soloist in music productions including "The Messiah", "The Gypsy Baron", and "South Pacific". He found great joy in music and loved sharing his talents with others. Edward is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ellen, son Lyle (Shellee) Murdock, daughter Laura (Dion) Kelly, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers George and Ralph Murdock and parents Ralph Murdock and Ethel Drake. Graveside services will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD, on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at 11:00 am. Arrangements are with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, SD.