Marion "Ted" Murdock

Marion (Ted) Edward Murdock, 83, of Missoula passed away on Thursday December 31 2020 peacefully in his home. Marion was his father’s name and Edward or Ted is the name of his mother’s favorite brother. So while their intentions were good, Ted would be his name of choice. The only times he was called Marion Edward was when he was being teased by his older siblings.
Ted was born on December 15, 1937 in his home in Sugar City, Idaho and was the fourth of seven children born to Marion L. and Gladys H. Murdock. According to Ted he was born on the kitchen table and since six of the seven children were born at home, it’s probably true that at least one of them would have come into the world on that kitchen table. Ted was a busy little boy with a strong will and a great imagination. When Ted was 5 years old, his mamma was busy at her sewing machine and he asked if he could ride his horse to his friend’s home. His Mamma said that, some day he could do that. Ted decided that it was ‘some day’ now, so he got on his horse and away he went. As soon as his mamma discovered his absence she sent his two older sisters to get him and bring him home. Then she tied him by the foot to the sewing machine so that he could not leave again.
Ted said that he and his sister Marilyn always thought they were adopted. Later in his life he told his Mamma that he had always thought that she didn’t love him because she never asked where he was going or what he was doing or when he would be home. Her reply was that she trusted him and knew that he would not get into trouble. Ted said that this was the best explanation she could have given cause it did make him feel better. What his Mamma couldn’t have known was that according to Ted he never got into trouble because he never got caught. What his mother did know was that this child had a good heart and strong desire to do what was right and to never disappoint her.
Ted graduated from Logan High School and after working all night on an old car, that he said “every kid in Logan had owned”. He set off to the mines of Peoche, Nevada the very next day. He joined the Army in the summer of 1957 where he made a name for himself and was a member of the “puking buzzards” - in other words he was a para trooper in the 101 air- borne division. This couldn’t have been easy for him, but he did it and lived to tell the tale and was honorably discharged in July 1963.
Ted was called to serve a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Western States Mission which included Montana where he not only served the Lord in bringing the Gospel to many he came in contact with but where he also fell in love with “The Big Sky Country” and a sweet young lady named Chlo Ann Westfall. They were married just nine days from being released as a missionary on July 9, 1962 in the Logan, Utah Temple for Time and all Eternity.
Ted and Chlo Ann Moved to Missoula, Montana with their first born daughter and the rest of their 7 children were born and raised there. Ted spent most of his working days at ‘Calmont Farms’ or ‘The Dairy’, as he referred to it. There he was a skilled mechanic, farmer, truck driver and bull shipper. He hauled many a load of grain down the Lochsa. He was known to be able to change oil in a white shirt and be able to keep it clean! Ted was very good with a bungee cord and duct tape and is well known for being able to accomplish a lot with just a little.
Ted was a dedicated family man, he loved taking his family on cross-country road trips to visit Historical Sites. He loved History of all kinds and enjoyed teaching it especially to his grandkids. His playlist of choice included old country hits, particularly Johnny Cash. In fact one his favorites was Ragged Old Flag and he was known to get teary eyed while listening to it. He was a true Conservative in every sense of the word. He had a sharp wit, and loved to tease.
Ted was a softy for all of God’s creatures large and small. While he didn’t necessarily enjoy being a pet owner, he continued bringing feral kittens home to his wife who would then nurse them to health and found loving homes. He once bought a horse at an auction that was mistreated, he strengthened her and gave her a better life.
Ted was very faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints throughout his life. He was known as a dutiful and thoughtful Home Teacher. He loved to serve others and share his witty humor and knowledge during many a Sunday School lesson. He fulfilled many callings, but his favorite was that of Missionary, and in general serving his fellow man.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Gladys Murdock, three siblings Marilyn May, Pat Hansen, and Dixie Davis, two daughters, Annie Murdock and Stacey Turner, and three Grandsons Kyle and Kevin Hanson, and Joseph Roske. He is survived by his wife Chlo Ann Murdock, Children Amy Hanson (Randy Hanson), Max Murdock (Becky Murdock), Sally Roske (Jon Roske), (Jeremy Turner, Stacey’s Husband), Nancy Fleming (Pat Fleming) and Connie Heiner (Matthew Heiner), His Siblings, Alve Murdock, Myrna Arbon, and Faun Murdock, 21 grandkids and 13 great grandkids.
We will miss him dearly, but know that he is happy to be with his family that has passed on before him and so relieved to be free of pain and confusion. We know that we will all be together someday in a place where we will part no more. Happy trails, until we meet again.