Oil and Gas Companies

In 1926, Murfin Drilling was founded by I. W. Murfin, the grandfather of David L. Murfin, the current president. Operations began with the acquisition of 50 percent interest in a cable tool rig.

By the start of World War II, Murfin Drilling owned 10 cable tool rigs.

In 1944, Murfin Drilling acquired its first rotary rig, allowing the company to become a major presence in oil and gas contract drilling in South Central Kansas.

When the two sons of I. W. Murfin returned from military service in 1946 to join their father, the partnership took the name Murfin Drilling Company.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Murfin Drilling acquired several rotary rigs and expanded operations into Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. The company performed contract rotary drilling throughout the area and started participating extensively in exploratory ventures, primarily in deals generated by others.

In 1963, Murfin Drilling was reduced to a partnership of I. W. and W. R. (Bill) Murfin.

in 1970, I.W. Murfin retired, leaving W. R. (Bill) Murfin to run Murfin Drilling.

In 1978, David L. Murfin, a petroleum engineering graduate of the University of Kansas, joined Murfin Drilling as the drilling manager.

During the peak of drilling in 1985, Murfin Drilling was operating 17 rotary drilling rigs, five portable workover units and 450 wells with 550 employees and offices in Wichita, Colby, Russell and Hill City, Kansas.

During 1990, 10 rotary rigs with 225 employees were operational.

In 1991, David L. Murfin became the president of Murfin Drilling.

In 2017, a fourth-generation family member, William L. Murfin, joined Murfin Drilling. In 2018, he became the drilling manager with 13 rotary rigs.

Murfin Drilling acquired WW Drilling rigs in 2019, adding 12 more rotary rigs to the inventory.