Christian William Murphy

Christian William Murphy, 37, passed away suddenly on January 23, 2025. Christian was born on November 27, 1987, in Akron, OH, son of Katherine A. Murphy (nee Kelley) and the late Thomas E. Murphy.

Christian was a graduate of Garfield High School, class of 2006. Following high school, Christian enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving 6 years as an Aviation Electrician before receiving an Honorable Discharge in 2013. While in the military, Christian was stationed in Pensacola, Florida and Hawaii, and also proudly served in the War in Afghanistan, earning several medals over the years.

Chris went on to work for Space X, Salvagnini, Purina in Dunkirk, NY, and most recently the Behr Corporation in Columbus as a Process Automation Specialist.

Christian had a natural thirst for knowledge. A true autodidact, he self-mastered the performing of multiple instruments and the execution of beautiful artwork and consumed an extensive catalog of literature and scientific texts. His wit was formidable, and his signature humor was constant and unmatched.

Always happy to share a clever thought, a perfect joke, or his last cent with anyone he met, Christian’s generosity, kindness, and character led him to easily befriend people around the world. There wasn’t a baby who wouldn’t easily fall asleep in his arms or an animal he wouldn’t rescue (and often try to bring home).

His passion for knowledge, hilarious wit, and the warmest smile ever to be seen opened the world to him. Just by knowing him, the world opened a bit more to all of us.

He will be dearly missed by his mother, Katherine; step father, Woody Woodson; son, Griffin Murphy; friend and former spouse, Allyson Johnson; siblings, Graham and Anna Murphy, and Robert Woodson; nephew, Lincoln Murphy; nieces, Kennedy Keller, Belle and Autumn Hudelot; uncles, Rudy (Susan), John, Bob and Joe Kelley; cousins, Deborah Ramirez (nee Kelley), Michael, Laura, Sara and Samantha Kelley; along with many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his father, Christian was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Sarah Kelley, and Eugene and Irene (Nocente) Murphy.

Christian will be laid to rest with military honors on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 2:15 pm at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville, OH 44270. Please arrive at the cemetery at 2:00 pm and follow the signage for which lane to begin lining up in (remain in your vehicle). At 2:15, a cemetery staff member will lead us to the appropriate committal shelter for the services.