John Michael “Mike” Murfin
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John Michael “Mike” Murfin, age 81, passed away peacefully in his Lawrence, KS home on May 12, 2024. Born to Fred and Moira Lee Murfin on June 21, 1942. Mike left his Wichita home to attend and graduate from the University of Kansas, subsequently calling Lawrence home.
Mike had a passionate nose for business, starting and operating innumerable businesses in his lifetime both in and away from Lawrence; as well as guiding and mentoring many business owners on their own success. Mike enjoyed travel and dining, which he combined on every occasion, feeding the adventurous spirit instilled in him at a young age by loving parents.
Mike is survived by his brother, Jim, of Wichita. He is also survived by a niece, nephew, and extended relatives for whom he maintained a lifelong commitment and beloved dedication. Mike’s family and extended family of friends mourn his passing, while delighting in his being called home to be with the Lord.
Mike attended First United Methodist Church – West Campus, where funeral services will take place on Saturday June 1, 2024, at 3:00 pm. We celebrate Mike’s life, as a testament to his devotion as a loving friend, mentor, and steward of God’s blessing.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s name to the charity of your choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com
*** Please allow yourself time to get to the church as there is road construction, with detour signs to the church. ****
God bless Mikes family.
We appreciated his whole family .
God bless the whole family and friends
The team at Emprise Bank had the pleasure of working with Mike. He will be missed! Peace to all who love him.
Cindy Yulich and the Emprise Bank Team.
I am incredibly grateful my family and I got to meet Mike. We will never forget the way he treated us and all the time we spent in Lawrence visiting him. Mike will be missed by us tremendously.
The Boresow Family
Mike was an incredible man who always put others first. He gave his neighborhood kids several summers of “country club life” by providing them with Red Cross swim lessons and opening his pool for them almost daily. High school graduation was celebrated at that pool and many many fond memories come from those summers. He was a good man and always put his money where his mouth was by actually helping others instead of just talking about it. The world needs more amazing men like Mike.
I hope that Mike’s passion for music and his contributions in Lawrence is mentioned at his service. Not only did he own the Red Dog Inn (Liberty Hall) for some years, but he promoted lots of live music, and he and I had a mutual admiration club for the late, great Mike Finnegan, who was also from Wichita. He was instrumental in helping found the Kansas Music Hall of Fame as well.
Mike was a kind, caring and dedicated man who helped mentor numerous people during his life. I had huge admiration and respect for him. RIP.
Chris I am so sorry for your loss and mike will be really missed i remember the red dog days and bugsys and gammons and he loved his lincolns. RIP mike
I met Mike in 1974 when he hired me as a busboy at the Village Inn Pancake House (VIPH) in Mission Kansas. The manager declined to hire me and my sister, but he told her to hire us anyway. Our friendship continued at the VIPH in Lawrence Kansas while I was in college. We have stayed in touch through the years. He was always good to me, with a quick wit, a quick laugh and kind words. Last time we talked was in November 2023. It has been my pleasure to call him my friend for all these years. I will miss our visits.
To Jim and family,
I didn’t know your brother even though he was two years younger than we are. I lost my only sibling almost five years ago, so I know your sadness.
Rosemary Morris
Dear Mike,
Thank you so much for taking care of Kevin. From what he said, you took him in, gave him a place to live, and helped him go to college. He always spoke very highly of you, and loved you a great deal. He was always going to your house to check on you and make sure you were ok. He highly respected you and appreciated you for all that you did for him. I am sure that you are both together, laughing it up in heaven, reminiscing about all of the good times you had on Earth. Please tell him hi for me, and that I love him. RIP
Mike was a unique individual — one of a kind. I knew him as the co-founder of The Red Dog Inn (now Liberty Hall) and MidContinent Entertainment in Lawrence, Kansas, back in the ’60s. I was/am the drummer in the original Red Dogs band. Mike appreciated good music and talented players. He was an astute businessman and a mentor and friend. He was quick with a compliment and a smile. He and I kept in touch through the years. I last spoke with him by phone in April 2023. I was sad to learn that he was not well and regret that seeing him in person a final time was not possible. Thanks, Mike, for your vision and your encouragement as you built your entertainment enterprise and so many other successes. Rest in peace…