He was born May 29, 1938, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Robert Milton McMurtrey and Julia Fern Brown McMurtrey. He grew up and attended schools in the Idaho Falls area. He attended Idaho Falls High School.

On April 16, 1971, he married Bonita Aders, in Idaho Falls. He has lived his entire life in Idaho Falls. He worked as a s a boiler operator at I.N.E.L. He retired in 1995.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He enjoyed golfing, prospecting, computers, hunting, and fishing.

He was a kind, patient, loving father and grandfather who would do anything for anyone and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by the following: his wife, Bonita McMurtrey of Idaho Falls, 5 sons; Robert Mitchell of Escalante, UT, Rory (Jenifer) Mitchell of Rock Springs, WY, Troy (Rhonda) McMurtrey of Idaho Falls, Justen McMurtrey of Idaho Falls, Josh (Jennifer) McMurtrey of Idaho Falls; a daughter, Ronda (Jim) Barney of Escalante, UT; a step-son, Rick (Becky) Mitchell of Las Vegas, NV; his mother, Julia Fern McMurtrey of Idaho Falls; 3 sisters; Joan Murphy of Elma, Washington, Blanche Nield of Idaho Falls, and Judy Price of Rigby; and also a brother, Kay (Gayla) McMurtrey of Idaho Falls, and 17 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Misty McMurtrey; his father, Robert (Bud) McMurtrey; and a sister, Patricia McMurtrey.

Graveside Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2006, at Rigby Pioneer Cemetery with Bishop Todd Johnson officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls, and on Thursday morning from 10-11:00 a.m. at the mortuary prior to leaving for the cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.