Remembering Murray Blackwelder: A Life of Brotherhood and Service
Murray M. Blackwelder (Baker University, 1969) was an explorer at heart, both in his travels around the world and in his lifelong quest for knowledge.
Blackwelder entered Chapter Eternal unexpectedly on June 6, 2026, in Cancun, Mexico. He was 79 years old, and fittingly, was doing something he loved – exploring the world with curiosity, enthusiasm, and gratitude.
Blackwelder had a servant leader’s heart, lending his significant talents and wisdom wherever he could. Within Delta Tau Delta and the fraternal world, Blackwelder was a steady and calming presence. His volunteer service to Delt spanned multiple chapters, including his alma mater, Baker University, and Purdue University. He served on the Board of Directors of the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation from 1995 to 2022, where he lent his knowledge and professional fundraising strength to enhance the Fraternity and Foundation’s efforts. In 2022, the Foundation honored him with Life Director status.
Born on April 3, 1947, in Newton, Kansas, Murray was welcomed by his parents, Blanche and Max Blackwelder, and his older sister, Jan. The family eventually settled in Augusta, Kansas, where Murray enjoyed an idyllic childhood filled with summer camps, baseball games, church activities, family vacations, and monthly visits to relatives in Isabel, Kansas. He played little league baseball, JV basketball, and earned his Boy Scouts STAR. Even as a boy, he possessed an adventurous spirit, collecting pocketknives from family trips, competing fiercely in marbles, and building friendships that would last a lifetime.
Murray was never one to sit still. He worked throughout high school mowing lawns, delivering dry cleaning, and serving customers at the Dairy-ette. He played trombone in the Augusta High band and fondly recalled performing at KU BAND DAY before thousands of football fans. Those who knew him then would say the same things people said decades later: Murray was dependable, hardworking, personable, and always ready with a smile.
He attended Baker University, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Baker was more than a university to Murray – it was where he developed lifelong friendships, honed his leadership skills, and met the love of his life, Diane Wilson. Active in Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, he served as Vice President of his chapter, President of the Interfraternity Council, and Vice President of the Senior Class. The bonds he forged during these years would remain among his most cherished relationships.
On June 27, 1970, Murray married, Diane, his college sweetheart and lifelong partner. Together, they built a wonderful life centered on love, faith, family, and shared adventures. Their marriage of nearly 56 years was marked by unwavering devotion, laughter, mutual respect, and countless memories. Murray was immensely proud of their two sons, Brett Wilson and Karsten Max, and later found one of his greatest joys in being “Papa” to his grandchildren.
Murray began his professional career at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City before earning his Master of Public Administration degree in 1975. Over the next four decades he established a reputation as one of the most respected leaders in higher education advancement, fund raising, and philanthropy. His career included leadership positions at Baker University, Rockhurst University, Wichita State University Endowment Foundation, Iowa State University Foundation, Purdue University, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Throughout his career, Murray helped lead seven major capital campaigns that collectively raised more than $3.8 billion in support of education and opportunity. Yet he would have been the first to say that philanthropy was never about dollars alone – it was about people, dreams, and changing lives for the better. He believed deeply in the power of generosity and dedicated his life to helping others make a lasting impact.
Murray’s accomplishments were numerous and impressive. He received several prestigious honors, including National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Fundraising Professional, ISU Foundation Governor’s Award, Distinguished Alumnus Award Baker University, AFP Indiana Chapter Outstanding Fundraising Executive, Henry Rosso Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Ethical Fund Raising, 2010 Growing Philanthropy Award for High Level Giving and other awards recognizing his leadership and dedication to philanthropy.
His connection to Delta Tau Delta Fraternity remained a lifelong commitment. Murray devoted twenty-two years of service to the Educational Foundation, mentoring young leaders and giving generously of his time and treasure. He cherished the brotherhood and considered many fraternity brothers among his closest friends. In 2000, Murray was honored with the Distinguished Service Chapter citation, and in 2006, he received the Alumni Achievement Award.
Retirement in 2015 did not slow him down. Murray continued to volunteer, mentor, support charitable causes, and champion organizations dedicated to making lives better. He remained intellectually curious, deeply engaged, and optimistic.
Murray enjoyed international travel and exploring new destinations. Favorite travels included cruises, tours along the Mediterranean, Europe, Turkey, Egypt, Peru, Australia, the Galapagos, and the Holy Lands. Favorite locations he liked to visit on a regular basis included Colorado, New York, South Dakota, and Cabo. He was an avid fisherman, a sports fan of college football and basketball teams (always cheering for the Cyclones and Boilermakers), and following the KC Chiefs and the Royals.
But above all else, Murray was a family man. He loved deeply, encouraged generously, and led by example. He had a gift of making people feel important, for offering wise counsel at just the right moment, and for bringing warmth and humor to every gathering. He was humble in his achievements, gracious in his relationships, and steadfast in his faith.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Diane; his sons, Brett (Alisha) of Parkville, Missouri, and Karsten (Tara) of Papillion, Nebraska; his sister, Jan Ensminger of Fairview, Texas; his beloved grandsons, Henry Gavin, and Braxton; step-grandchild Aurora; and a wide circle of family members, friends, colleagues, and fraternity brothers who will forever cherish his memory.
Though his journey ended far too soon, Murray lived exactly as he hoped – with purpose, gratitude, faith, and a love for the people around him. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
In lieu of sending flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution.