Otto "Tex" Murry IV

Otto “Tex” Murry IV, 78, of Hastings, Minnesota, died on December 29, 2025 surrounded by his family at United Hospital in St. Paul, following a short illness.

Tex was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 23, 1947 to Otto Murry and Albertina (Cabral) Murry. In 1958, his family moved to Dickinson, North Dakota where he eventually met and married Eleanore “Jane” Schmidt on November 21, 1970 in Mandan, North Dakota. They moved to Minneapolis in 1970, then to Hastings in 1972 where they settled and raised their family.

Tex was dedicated to serving his country, as a Colonel in the Army, while working for the Department of Defense, and later as a volunteer at the Armed Forces Service Center. His career included a lot of travel and adventure. He was extremely proud of his service and loved his country.

A mixture of island kid, cowboy, and soldier, Tex preferred to be barefoot, but took pride in wearing combat or a worn-in pair of cowboy boots. He loved the songs “Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man” and “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, which embodied his spirit. When things were at their worst, he was at his best.

He was fiercely protective of his family and friends and loved them deeply. He took pride in teaching his children about life skills; finances, car maintenance, house and yard basics, and about responsibility. He stressed “doing things the right way or don’t bother!”. He taught his children to be independent, respect elders, teachers, and authority figures.

Tex enjoyed playing cards with friends, going to the cabin with his family and traveling. He had an intense love for US History, football, and family meals. He had his “own” sense of humor. He enjoyed playing a good practical joke and we heard many of his favorite jokes on repeat - followed by that classic Tex grin.

His grandchildren were his biggest sense of pride and joy. He loved watching them grow and kept tabs on their latest milestones and accomplishments. He was grateful to be called “Grandpa”, “Grandpa Tex”, and “Pa”.

Tex is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jane Murry (Schmidt); his children Matthew Murry (Beth) of Olympia, WA, Jessica Murry (Scott) of St. Paul, MN, Marie Holloman (Dennis) of Oak Harbor, WA, and Michael Murry (Courtney) of Woodbury, MN; his grandchildren Westley Murry, Noah Murry (Kaitlyn), Quinn Murry, Storie Holloman, Julian Holloman, Madelin Murry, and Eleanor “Nora” Murry. He is preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Albertina Murry; sister Alberta Christian.

Per Tex's wishes, no public services will be held. He will be laid to rest in Fort Snelling National Cemetery during a private family ceremony to be held at a later date.