George Boone McMurtery

Funeral Service for George McMurtrey will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at Family Life Church in Gillette, WY. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m Monday April 4, 2016 at Walker Funeral Home in Gillette, WY. A second visitation will take place 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thrudsay, April 7, 2016 at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines, 90125 Hatchery Road ( North Green Street) in Valentine, NE. Burial will follow at Kilgore Cemetery in Kilgore, NE. George McMurtrey, age 95, of Gillette, WY passed away at Close to Home Hospice March 30, 2016. Dr. George Boone "Mac" McMurtrey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday March 30th, 2016 at Close to Home Hospice in Gillette, Wyoming. George was born in Cody, Nebraska on April 2nd, 1920 to Erba and Alice Muriel (Hoffman) McMurtrey. He was raised on the family's ranch, the Bar Lazy 8, in Cherry County, Nebraska. His early years were spent working on the cattle ranch shaping his love of family and strong work ethic. He attended the local single room school until matriculating to and graduating from Cody High School at the age of 16. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska, and then attended the University of Nebraska Medical School, graduating first in his class. The Class of 1944 participated in a three year accelerated program to help provide doctors for World War II. His surgical residency was at the University of Chicago and when completed he volunteered to serve his country. George entered the Army in 1943 and was assigned to the medical company of the 505th airborne infantry regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. He received the World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), The Parachutist Badge, and the American Theater ribbon. He remained in the Army Reserves after returning to the states. He started a surgical practice in Omaha, Nebraska and was also an Associate Professor for the University of Nebraska Medical School for several years after his honorable discharge from active duty. He met Margaret Owen while in college and they were later married. This marriage was blessed with 3 daughters - twins Mary and Florella, and Alice Elizabeth. They later divorced. George met the love of his life, Debra Bruns, in 1974 in Valentine, Nebraska. He was working as a surgeon and Debra as a nurse in the small hospital in Valentine. They married two years later. They were blessed with three children: Amanda, Samantha, and George Gavin. George Boone always wanted to live in Wyoming. He loved the hunting, fishing, and wonderful people. The family moved to Gillette in the fall of 1978 and he started the first Emergency Room for Campbell County Memorial Hospital. He worked as an Emergency Room doctor for 17 years and was the County Public Health Officer for 30 years. During his more than 60 years as a physician he was a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Surgeons, American Society for the Surgery of Trauma, American Association for Emergency Medicine, and the Wyoming Medical Society. He was a member of the NRA and the Shriners. He became interested in politics and was elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives for House District 52 in 1994. He was the Representative for House District 52 for ten years. He enjoyed his time in the legislature serving the people and cherished the friendships he made. George was a dedicated and loving family man. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, and gardening. He was happiest during family vacations, and liked to share his vast wealth of knowledge of history and geography. George is survived by his wife Debra of Rozet, daughters, Florella (Jerry) of Ansley, NE, Amanda (Iris) of Laramie, Samantha (Justin) of Walla Walla, WA and son George Gavin of Rozet. He is also survived by his sister Mary Williams of Valentine, NE, brothers-in-law, Bob Bruns of Valentine NE, John Guethlein (Lora) of North Platte NE, mother-in-law Wilma Guethlein of North Platte, NE. Grandchildren Deanna (Gary), Justin (Tracy), Bailey, Micah, and Ward family of Valentine. Great grandchildren Preston and Megan and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, daughter Mary Margaret, daughter Alice Elizabeth and grandson John Erba Hallman and father-in-law Edward Bruns. Memorials have been established to benefit Close to Home Hospice and The McMurtrey Scholarship Fund. Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the web atwww.walkerfuneralgillette.comFuneral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716