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Henry-Lange Memorial Home - Lewistown

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Edward Murphy Obituary

LEWISTOWN - Edward C. Murphy, age 92, of 510 E. Avenue E, passed away at 7:55 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, at Prairieview Care Center in Lewistown.

"Doc" Murphy, veterinarian in Lewistown, was born in Aurora, Ill., on Aug. 18, 1921.

He follows his parents, William and Clara Murphy; and his siblings, Daniel H. Murphy, Virginia Johnson and Evelyn Schaben, in death.

A skillful welder, Doc enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on his 21st birthday. Stationed in the Pacific, he was among the brave men who took the Japanese stronghold, Iwo Jima. During his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation and was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal on Dec. 24, 1946.

Due to the G.I. Bill, Eddie was able to pursue his lifelong dream of attending college. In 1952, he was awarded a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois, the first class in the program. Doc remained active in his profession through the Veterinary Alumni Association of U of I.

In 1952, he married Martha Quallich of Lakewood, Ohio. By 1953, they had settled in Lewistown and established a small/large animal veterinary practice. He retired in 1988.

Eddie was an active member of the town. A man who deeply valued education, he was a member of the Optimist Club and board member of the Lewistown School Board when the present Lewistown Grade School was built.

A diehard fan, Doc followed the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and the Fighting Illini. Outside of sports, he enjoyed reading, writing, traveling and Irish heritage. He had a lifelong love and compassion for animals and their owners, which allowed him to thrive as a veterinarian. He was an astute diagnostician and a skilled practitioner. A very hard worker, he greatly appreciated the work ethic exhibited in his many clients.

Edward and Martha made their home in Lewistown, attending St. Mary's Catholic Church and raising their six children, Timothy Murphy (Diane Jackson) of Moline, Ill., June Behles of Des Plaines, Ill., Linda Murphy (John Vinzant) of Gary, Ind., Daniel Murphy (Theresa) of Davenport, Iowa, Kathleen Murphy of Lewistown, Ill., and Brian Murphy of Monterery, Ill. Nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren will all miss Grandpa.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lewistown, with Monsignor Rejsek officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery at rural Lewistown, with a military service conducted by the Lewistown VFW Post 5001 and the Lewistown American Legion Bishop Post 1. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown, with a recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Humane Society or to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lewistown.

To view Edward's life tribute video or to send online condolences, visit www.henrylange.com.


Published by Peoria Journal Star on Sep. 10, 2013.
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Theresa, Dan, and family,

Thinking of you, and praying for you in your time of loss.

Jennie Schnerre (friend and co-worker of Theresa Murphy).

September 10, 2013

Dearest Martha and Family.....So sorry to hear of Doc passing....He was always one of my "Heros". I could take him anything to "fix" from dogs to squirrels. I could talk to him about anything that was a problem with me personal, human or animal and expect honest caring advise..sometimes "Stern" when I needed it. His gruffness was a mask to his gentle pure heart. He will be missed

Lynnea Dowell

September 10, 2013

RIP "DOC"

Mark Bradley

September 10, 2013

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Henry-Lange Memorial Home - Lewistown

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