Murray-Orwosky debuts new facility
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After 20 years of dreaming, Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home celebrates the grand opening of their new state-of-the-art facility on 876 Wildcat Way.
On Tuesday, October 25, the long-time family business officially moved from their historic Gilmer Street location to the bigger, updated facility.
“I call this place a labor of love,” Sue Orwosky said.
The Orwosky family dream started over 60 years ago. In 1963, Gene and Rita Orwosky partnered with the already-existing Murray Funeral Home. After decades of dedication and care to the community, their son Jeff and his wife Sue bought the business in 1997 to continue serving families.
However, by early 2000 it became clear that after 40 years in business, Murray-Orwosky had outgrown the facilities. While scoping out land, the family found the parcel on Wildcat Way that would eventually become the new facility.
“We bought this property just about 20 years ago, and we always had the dream of seeing a funeral home here,” Sue said. “It was just raw land.”
Just as the business was passed on to Jeff, the father had a dream of building a space where his sons could forge their own way in years to come.
Jeff’s dream came true: his son Price is now with the company full-time, and sons Austin and Lincoln often help at the business, even though they’re still in high school. Gene’s son Jack also works at the business. With the construction of the building at Wildcat Way, the dream is complete.
In 2017 Murray-Orwosky worked with builders to draw up plans. Construction started in 2019, and finally in 2022 the facilities were ready to welcome visitors.
“Three years ago we broke ground, COVID hit and everything went crazy!” Sue said. “Back ordered material, construction went crazy, [and] trying to get on schedules was a lengthy process.”
However, with the brand new facilities, “It was worth every minute of the wait,” she said.
The new location boasts 20,000 square feet, including a carpenter Gothic-style chapel that seats 300 or more. The building can hold up to 6 visitations and 2 chapel services at any given time. Other amenities such as parking, the community room, the state room and bathrooms are top-of-the-line. Smaller features include a memory fountain, waterfall crystal chandeliers and grand stone fireplace give the contemporary rustic design a homey feel.
Unmissable are the main chapel’s soaring cedar beams, which were designed by Jeremy and Shaun May of Texas Timber Works in Quitman. The beams mimic those you would find in our local churches built in the 1850s, and weigh 5000 pounds apiece.
Murray-Orowsky prides themselves on being community-centered, which is why they are especially excited to welcome Karon Weatherman at the new location as an office manager.
“She has been an asset to the community for many years,” Sue said. “Karen has an impact on the community and surrounding counties with seniors.”
Weatherman previously served since the 1990s as the director of the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen Center.
“I’m ready to learn everything I can,” Weatherman said. “I love our community and I want to be there for them in their time of need.”
“I know for a fact she works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” Sue added.
“I have a lot of love to give in a time when they need it,” Weatherman noted.
Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home is open now at 876 Wildcat Way. For more information call 903-885-3133 or visit https://www.murrayorwosky.com/
Photos by Chad Kopal
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