Lee Ray Murlin passed away on September 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, friendship, and service. He was born on January 8, 1944, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to Donna Rosetta (Nash) and Charles Alva Murlin.

Lee was married for nearly 50 years to Debbie Jean Gaskins. On the Murlin Homestead, they raised their four children, Kenny, Jana, Kathy, and Christopher. He was the anchor of his family and the heart of countless gatherings at the family farm in Perkins. The farm was a place for fish fries, homemade ice cream, horseshoes, and volleyball games. While Debbie prepared the fish, usually caught during family trips to Lake Eufaula, Lee could always be found standing over the fryer. Those gatherings created treasured memories for his family and friends. Lee enjoyed fishing, playing pool, bowling, and playing cards and other games with family and friends. More than anything, he loved bringing people together.

Lee served his country in the United States Army as a lieutenant and microwave radio operator. His military experience became the foundation for a long career in telecommunications. He spent most of his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, which later became AT&T. Retirement did not keep him home for long, and he soon returned to work as a manager in Telephone Communication Services at Oklahoma State University.

Lee truly had a servant’s heart. As a member of the Lions Club, he received several awards, including the Melvin Jones Fellowship—one of the organization’s highest honors. Other volunteer work included installing Lifelines, assisting with behind-the-scenes work at his home church, and helping with church services at Christian Villa, where he lived for the last several years of his life.

Faith was a quiet but constant presence throughout Lee’s life. He was a nearly lifelong member of Eden Chapel Church, where he served in one capacity or another for many years. Even at 82, until illness prevented him from continuing, he counted contributions, made deposits, and—perhaps most importantly to those who gathered each week—made the coffee every Sunday morning.

Among the documents his family recently discovered was Lee’s license to preach—something even his four children had never known about and another reflection of the quiet way he lived out his faith.

Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Murlin; his parents, Donna and Charles Murlin; and his siblings, Charles (Chuck) Murlin, Joan Perceiful, Arlene Matney, and Louise Dodson.

He is survived by his children, Kenny Murlin; Jana Fairbanks and husband Jimmy; Kathy Hess and husband Bob; and Christopher Murlin and fiancé Anthony Scalisi.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Winter and Cory; Katelin; Tylor and fiancée Kayla; Skyler and husband Zacc; Hunter; Trever and wife Emily; Kayla and husband Brett; and Brooke and husband Chris; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors who will greatly miss him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home. The family will host a celebration of Lee’s life on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Eden Chapel Church.

Those wishing to honor Lee may send flowers through Tiger Lily’s Floral Designs at 1-918-223-1868 or make a memorial contribution to Eden Chapel United Methodist Church.