Chester Emery Murdock

August 29, 1935 – February 17, 2026

Chester Emery Murdock, 90, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026.

Chester was born on August 29, 1935, in Texarkana, Texas. He later attended and graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering — a field that perfectly matched his analytical mind and lifelong love of working with his hands.

Shortly after graduating from college, he married the love of his life, Jane McKnight, on August 31, 1957. Together they built a marriage that spanned 65 devoted years, rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

Chester began his career at Texas Instruments in 1957, where he faithfully worked until taking early retirement in 1991. That same year, in October, Chester and his son Douglas opened Murdock & Son Automotive. Their shared love of working on cars inspired them to build a business together, proving the saying that when you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. The shop became more than a business — it was a reflection of Chester's passion, integrity, and commitment to quality work.

Chester's faith was the foundation of his life. He taught Sunday School for most of his adult years, impacting countless lives with his wisdom, patience, and quiet strength. He also served faithfully as a deacon in the Baptist church for many decades, stepping down only when he could no longer physically continue. He was most often heard telling anyone who would listen to "stop worrying and give it to God." He would gently remind them that "worry is like a rocking chair — you're constantly working at it but going nowhere." He lived what he taught, trusting God through every season of life.

During the 1970s, Chester was an avid bass fisherman and participated in fishing tournaments. He loved early mornings on the water and the thrill of the catch. While he enjoyed fishing with friends, he was not especially fond of taking his daughter Laurie along — mostly because she had a talent for getting her fishing hook caught in the trees. It became one of those cherished family stories that still brings smiles.

From 1999 to 2004, Chester and his beloved wife Jane opened their home and hearts as foster parents. Together, they lovingly cared for more than 60 foster babies. One precious little girl stayed with them for nine months before her adoption, and Chester and Jane remained in contact with her until she was 20 years old. Their compassion provided comfort, safety, and love to children during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Chester was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jane McKnight Murdock.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Laurie Murdock; his son, Douglas Murdock and spouse Pam Murdock; his grandchildren Ashley Wrobel and husband Chris Wrobel, Erin Gattenby and Trevor Gattenby, and Mark Murdock and Brooke Murdock; his great-grandsons, Dylan Bean and Cavender Wrobel; his sisters, Merajen Lumpkins and Cynthia Dickman and her spouse Carl Dickman; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

His life was marked by intelligence, hard work, unwavering faith, deep compassion, humor, and steadfast love for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched — as a husband, father, brother, teacher, foster parent, businessman, engineer, and man of God.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."                                                                                                                                                                       1 Peter 5:7

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered