In Memoriam of Dr. Laurence J. A. Murtagh
(Dad and Papa, Born: June 1, 1934, Died: June 23, 2023)
The extraordinary life of Dr. Laurence Joseph Augustine Murtagh began on June 1, 1934 when he was born prematurely while his parents were on holiday. He traveled the world and loved to tell stories of riding bikes across Europe with his brother and sailing the Irish Sea with his dad as a kid.
As any good Irishman worth his weight in gold, he filled his children’s heads with tall tales of fairy rings, leprechauns, and Bobbin Robin, plus a love of books, learning, debate, politics, world affairs, history, and equality, culture, and family.
He had a strong belief that anything is possible and passed that on to every member of his family. He would travel hours to attend award ceremonies and games and graduation, from kinder to college, for each of his children and grandchildren.
He worked until he couldn’t, and in his later years decided to get a Masters in Occupational Health and then earned his Juris Doctorate at the age of 79.
He leaves behind a legacy of medical work with his dedication and servitude to his patients, hundreds of college students he taught, and a strong, loving family tree with roots that run deep.
He is preceded in death by his most beloved son, Joseph James Hiram, and his parents, Teresa and James Joseph Murtagh and brother James Murtagh.
He is survived by his three daughters with Sharon: Sarah (married to Mario), Rebekah, Leah (married to Raylon); one grandson, Mario (married to Emma), seven granddaughters: Ashley, Katherine (married to Charlie), Tiffany (married to Anthony), Elizabeth, Grace, Olivia, Clara; one great grandson, Mario James; two great granddaughters, Beatrice and Eliana; his sister Elizabeth, and his loving companion, Maria, her daughter Esmeralda, and their family.
The Murtagh family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Southwest Texas Junior College in his name, where he was a professor for many years, to continue his love of learning and helping others.
Link to donate to Southwest Texas Junior College: https://app.securegive.com/swtjc/main/donate/category.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Yeager-Barrera Mortuary, 1613 Del Rio Blvd., Eagle Pass, Texas 78852, Telephone (830) 773-3211.
Dr. Murtagh’ s funeral is on Saturday, July 1, 2023, as follows: Viewing is from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and a Celebration of Life Service is from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Yeager-Barrera Mortuary Chapel, followed by interment at the Quemado Valley Cemetery at 11:30 a.m in Quemado, Texas.
