Roger Murillo went home to his Lord and Savior, October 20, 2026 at the age of 86. He was born in Marinette, Arizona, September 12, 1940, to his parents, Amado and Guadalupe Murillo. He and his siblings were brought to Kingman by his eldest sister, Arlene, and her husband Sylvester Alvarado. Though they had children of their own, they took in their many siblings and kept the family together until everyone reached adulthood.
Roger attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Mohave County Union High School. He loved being the team manager for Coach Charlie Cook, and participating in the Letterman’s Club. After graduating in 1959, Roger attended Arizona State College, now known as Northern Arizona University. After graduating, he taught Spanish at Del Dios Junior High School in Escondido, California. While there, he was invited to join the Elks Club, and became a life-long member.
Roger returned to Kingman to teach Spanish at Kingman High School, a career that spanned 30 years. He also enjoyed organizing dances for his nephew’s band. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Stephanie Frank, a union which lasted 53 years. At Kingman High School, he organized a Spanish Club, sponsored the cheer and pom-pom squads, and advocated for the creation of the mat maids to support the wrestling program. He was passionate about teaching, but the real motivation was his deep affection and connection to his students. Under his leadership, the KHS Spanish Club became a major fundraising team that provided hundreds of shoes to Kingman children. He was a dynamic instructor, committed to excellence, yet he was witty and invested in seeing his students succeed. One of his greatest joys was hearing from former students who kept in touch across the years and miles.
Upon retirement, Roger became an academic advisor for the Northern Arizona University Distance Learning Site at Mohave College. He became the local area coordinator for NAU then returned to Kingman High School as an at-risk counselor.
Retirement gave Roger time to focus on friends and family, always looking for ways to support and encourage anyone who asked his advice, or for a little dip into his wallet. During this time his relationship with Jesus also deepened. He decided to make a public profession of his faith and was immersed in baptism at Journey Church with friends and family cheering him on. That day became his spiritual birthday to be celebrated every year.
The family is deeply indebted to Dr. Bokhari, Dr. Parvatheneni, and Dr. Joe, for their compassionate care of Roger over the course of his long illness. A special thank you also goes out to the staff of KRMC and KRMC Home Health and Hospice whose tender care meant so much to the family.
Roger was preceded in death by his siblings, Arlene (Sylvester) Alvarado, Irene (Nick) Torres, Guadalupe (Manuel) Gonzales, Amelia (Andy) Delgado, Frank Murillo, Gonzalo Murillo, Toche Murillo, Alfred Murillo, Celia (Butch) Esquibel, and Joseph Murillo. Roger leaves behind one surviving brother, Moe Murillo. He survived by his wife, Stephanie, nieces Viola Pethers (Dean) and Lisa Julle (Kevin), and nephews Tyler Julle (Calista) and Kyle Julle, as well as many other beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Journey Church, 3782 N. Bank St. on Saturday, November 14, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to the Roger Murillo Scholarship fund at the Kingman Elks Lodge #468, 900 Gates Ave., Kingman, AZ 86409. Please put the name, Murillo, on the memo line.
Sutton Memorial Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
