Ward “Butch” Murrey Jr. age 86, of Caldwell, OH passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at the Genesis Hospital in Zanesville, OH. He was born October 21, 1939 in Marietta, OH a son of the late Fred Ward Sr. and Dorothy Shuttleworth Murrey.

He was a 1957 graduate of Caldwell High School and went on to serve in the Army National Guard. During his lifetime he was active in Noble County Recreation, Noble County Chamber of Commerce, 37 years as Director of the Ohio State Regional Library, 4 years on the Ohio State Library Board, and over 45 years on Board of Directors of the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Caldwell. Ward was also a member of the Caldwell Church of Christ and served his community for over 20 years on the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed farming and following local sporting events in his free time.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Shirley E. Cunningham Murrey, whom he married November 11, 1960; two sons Ward (Carmen) Murrey of Logan, OH and Alan (Heidi) Murrey of Caldwell; grandchildren Dylan, Ellie, and Gage Murrey, Zane (Audriana) Murrey, and Zachary Murrey; step-grandchildren Andrew and Lizzie Postlethwait; 3 great-grandchildren Wren, Willow and Winnie; brother John (Margaret) Murrey of Athens, OH. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Cremation will be observed at this time. He will be laid to rest at a later date with a private family graveside service in Olive Cemetery in Caldwell. Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724 has been entrusted to care for the family.