Michael E. "Murf" Murphy

1935 - 2017

Michael E. Murphy "Murf", 81, of Silex, passed away on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, at his beloved family farm.
Michael Ernest, third child and youngest son of Claude and Connie, was born on Sept. 6, 1935.
He attended both Millwood and Silex schools. He was married twice, first to Patricia Lee "Patsy" Ferguson on June 6, 1959. Mike and Patsy were blessed with four children, Randall Lee, Connie Jean, Michael Patrick and Michelle DeAnn. Patsy passed away on Oct. 28, 1994. Michael and Peggy Murphy (Ryan) were married on Aug. 3, 1996. Peggy passed away on Aug. 3, 2014.
As a full time professional farmer, Mike raised hogs, cattle, sheep, emus and ostriches. He baled hay, and grew both corn and soybeans. Brush hogging was one of his favorite activities every fall, and it made him proud to care for his land. He was an avid conservationist caring deeply for wildlife and the environment.
Murf loved fourwheeling, visiting neighbors on his side by side, and took many a creek trip to hunt for arrowheads and fossil rocks. He enjoyed fishing: both rod/reel and hand.
An avid sportsman, Mike hunted deer, pheasant, squirrel and quail by gun. He knew all the morel mushroom hot spots and gathered many a basket full. Murf was a great wild game chef and was happy to share his wild bounty with family and friends.
His hobbies included socializing and dancing to country tunes. Mike liked country music foremost, but also loved gospel songs and hymns. He was very fond of being entertained by the many wonderful auctioneers in our community! He frequented many a Friday or Saturday auction and always enjoyed a "good find" as he would say.
Mike was an accomplished master of storytelling about farm life and living. He loved to tell a good joke and had you hooked in, wanting more at the first line. He was a true Lincoln County historian, and liked to pass along the oral history of the farms, and farmers from days gone by. Murf loved to make people smile and felt it was his mission to spread love and joy to others. He strived to make the world a happier place by sharing a heartfelt word, or by giving you a healthy hug.
He had been a devout member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Millwood for many years and dutifully, attended mass on Sundays. Patriotically, Murf proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict in the U. S. Army.
Michael is survived by his son, Randall and wife, Theresa Murphy, of Troy; four grandchildren, Michael, Shawn, Joshua and Christina; two greatgrandchildren, Karlie and Caden; significant other, Desiree Rutherford; his sisters, Patricia Twellman Dickerson and Connie Marie and husband, John Burnett; his special dog, Rudy and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by three children, Connie Jean (stillborn), Michael Patrick (stillborn) and Michelle DeAnn and two wives, Pat and Peggy; and several beloved dogs, Thumper, Skeeter and Sam, the hunting dog.
Visitation was held Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017 from 1-7 p.m. at Millwood Knights of Columbus Hall, Millwood. Funeral Mass was held Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Millwood. Father Chuck Tichachek officiated. Interment followed in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Millwood
Memorials to the American Lung Association or St. Alphonsus Cemetery Association c/o McCoy & Blossom Funeral Home and Crematory funeral home
Friends and Family may sign the online guest book at www.mccoyblossomfh.com