Christopher M. "Murph" Murphy

Christopher Michael Murphy (Murph), 67, of Erie, died on January 29, 2025, at his home. Celebration of life services will be held at a later date. Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie is assisting the family. Christopher was born on August 19, 1957, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Richard and Suzanne Murphy. He graduated from Moline High School and attended Black Hawk Community College in Moline. Christopher was united in marriage to Connie Dearth in Rock Island, Illinois on July 27, 1995. He worked at John Deere Harvester, in East Moline, in his own rendition of Captain Kirk, overseeing operation of the "cut the link line". Christopher's greatest passion was automotive work, such as rebuilding Corvette cars, engine builds, painting and body work, all of which he was meticulous with. He loved music and playing guitar. His fingers would dance along the fretboard, even in times when they were busted up from all the car work. His favorite band was Rush, which he shared with his sons, even once seeing them live all together, a memory he always cherished. He had a true sense of wonder and fascination with space and the universe. This was sparked by the original Star Trek series, which he began watching in childhood with his sister every Sunday for years at their grandmother's home. Christopher is survived by his wife Connie of Erie; son Derek (Tomme) Murphy of Elizabeth, Colorado; son Eric (Taylor) Murphy; son Jordan Bright; son Colt Smith; daughter Tracy Sunlin; grandchildren Elliot Murphy, Layla Murphy, D.J., Mila Murphy, Lillian "Lilly" Murphy, Kira Smith, Ayden Brown, Jake Smith, Seth Smith; niece Amber Degeeter; great-nephew Zach Degeeter; great-niece Madison Stanley; sister JoJean Ann (Booboo) and Dave (bro) Degeeter of Prophetstown. He is preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents (specifically Mary Spencer, who played a large role in raising him), his parents, nephew Davey Degeeter, and daughter Sheila Smith. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com. "To boldly go where no man has gone before" "There is no such thing as the unknown, only things temporarily hidden" "Live long and prosper"