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Paul Murphy Obituary
July 25, 1930 - August 27, 2014
Paul Eugene Murphy, age 84, passed away peacefully in Dallas at home Wednesday August 27, 2014 from complications of diabetes with his life-long love and wife Betty and daughter Melissa by his side.
Paul was born July 25, 1930 in Van Buren, Arkansas to Mammie Mae Boen Murphy and Stephen Augustus Murphy. Paul was the youngest of 6 children, Raymond, David, Bob, Iola, and Lee. All have preceded Paul in death.
At age 6 the family moved to Phoenix, Az where Paul continued his schooling until he dropped out of high school at age 17 asking his mother to sign for him to join the U.S. Marine Corp. He enlisted for three years but the Korean war kept him in active service until August 1951 where he served as a Staff-Sargent.
After discharge Paul started his academic pursuit getting his AA, BA, MA at California State University, doing his field-work at Loyola University and attending Talbot Theological Seminary. On June 26, 1953. Paul married Betty Jo Gaston in Phoenix Az. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. The family moved from Gardena California to Dallas Oregon in 1968.
Paul taught in Salem Keizer School District from 1969 until retirement in 1985. He also enjoyed ranching raising polled Herefords and American Saddlebred horses, flying airplanes, reading and WWII history. But his greatest passion was serving his Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ by teaching and sharing God's word. Paul and Betty helped start and build Grace Baptist Church in Glendora, CA and during his lifetime continued serving the Lord as a Sunday School Teacher, Vesper leader, and Gideon member and supported various ministries to the Jews. He is a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church in Dallas.
Paul is survived by his entire family: Wife- Betty Murphy, his 3 daughters, Diane (Murphy)(Tim) Engstrom, Michaela (Murphy) Morgan and Melissa Murphy-Terry (Edward). Paul and Betty have six grandchildren Annalisa Engstrom, Allison Parks (Nathan), Andrew (Melissa) Engstrom, Aurora, Arianna and August Terry plus 4 great-grandchildren Jacob, Madeline, Joshua and Ezekiel Parks.
Funeral services are Thursday, September 4 at 2:00pm at The Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center, reception following at Faith Evangelical Free Church. Viewing will be Wednesday 1-7pm and Thursday 9:00-1pm Internment will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland on Friday September 5th at 9:00am. Contributions can be made to the Diabetes Assoc. or Wounded Warriors Fund in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Murphy
John & Marietta Heyer
September 10, 2014
We have lost a wonderful christian man. He is with the Lord and feels no pain. John and I will remember our times with Betty and Paul often. Paul had a smile that could light up a room, and such twinkly eyes. We are grateful for his season in our lives.
Warren & (Livi) Walker
September 7, 2014
Uncle Paul you had unique ways of trying to mold a square peg (me) into a round hole (life)... always with the best of intentions. You know it didn't completely work, but I truly appreciate your trying.
From borrowing me to put on your motorcycle's gas tank when I was a toddler and hauling me to Miss Gaston's house. A lure to accept your attentions... it worked!
To writing SWAL (sealed with a lick) on the outside my girlfriend's letters when I worked for you in Gardena... didn't work! I'm still sorry for smoking up the camp trailer so badly.
I'm also sorry I couldn't make it up there to see you off in person, but I was there in spirit. Your unique approach to life's lessons and your unwavering faith in God will always be a model for those you left behind. Rest in Peace Dear Uncle, you earned it!
Kristy Kemery Bradley
September 5, 2014
A dear Man, gifted speaker/storyteller, great educator & inspiration to so many. As my 6th grade teacher, he made learning seem effortless with his kindness. Always looked forward to Mr Murphy's story reading his animated voices and facial expressions, his stories of home life w/his horses made this little girl envious. I recall the class being sad the day he didn't show to work, we found out he'd broken his leg working w/the cows & was right back to work w/his leg casted. Condolences to the family, RIP Mr Murphy.
Barby Dressler
September 4, 2014
Like some of the others, Mr. Murphy was my 6th grade teacher at Cummings Elem. He was my favorite elementary school teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. I'm sure he will be missed.
Toni Gottfried
September 4, 2014
Mr. Murphy was the most amazing teacher!! I learned so many fascinating things from him...he fostered my lifelong love of History with his great stories. I had him for English/Social Studies in the 6th grade at Cummings Elementary. (1969) I thought so much of him, I returned to his classroom as a Student Teacher a few years later. I am still in contact with many of his former students, we all talk of him fondly. I offer my deepest condolences to the entire Murphy family, and want you to know that his teaching legacy lives on in fantastic memories of many childhoods.
Chontel Belleque( Klobas)
September 4, 2014
Mr. Murphy,
You were the best teacher of all. My Mom can tell you for two years almost every conversation my brother Andre and I had at home started with "Mr. Murphy said"....He so loved the Lord, and we loved his stories. Learned more from him than any other teacher, and still grateful to of had him at Cummings.
Chontel Belleque Klobas
Kris Adams
September 4, 2014
I had Mr. Murphy in the 6th grade at Cummings Grade School. He was a wonderful teacher and a great guy. Thank you for being a teacher.
Patrick & Cynthia Murphy
September 3, 2014
Uncle Paul leaves a wonderful legacy to remember. May you be comforted in knowing his memory will continue to live in our hearts.
September 3, 2014
Remembering your husband, father and grandfather with all the good memories you hold dear to your heart. Gayla Overstreet
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