Kenneth D. Murphy

Funeral services and military honors for Ken will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Hanlin Funeral Home in Vassar; visitation will begin at 11:00 AM and last until the time of service. Chaplain Mike Dalrymple will preside. A luncheon will follow at the Eagles of Vassar. 

Mr. Kenneth “Ken” Dale Murphy, age 89, our proud, loving, encouraging, and kind husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and mentor passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan.

Ken was born on May 30, 1935, in Burton, Michigan, the youngest of six children to John & Lena (née Schultz) Murphy. Ken honorably served in the U.S. Navy 1953-1956 during the Korean War on the USS Iowa battleship, with 8 years including reserve time. While in the service, Ken trained as an electrician and upon his military discharge began working with Flint AC. He retired after 28 years of working with Flint AC and held both positions of tool & die maker and department inventory manager. Ken graduated from Mott Community College and then attended University of Michigan – Flint, majoring in Engineering. Ken was a talented builder and remodeler. In the year 1969, he built the family home from top-to-bottom. He assisted his father-in-law, Albert, building homes and remodeling for 20 years. Further he worked on his vacation homes at North Lake, Florida, and Tennessee. He took great pride in his grandchildren as they both completed their college education.

Ken was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) Post in Caro, American Legion, Moose Member of Caro & actively participated in the club of Oak Ridge, TN, Mott Community College Alumni, and Eagles Aeries of Vassar, Mayville, and Knoxville, TN. Ken served his beloved Eagles of Vassar in many roles: chaplain, guard, trustee, secretary, and treasurer.

In 2021, Ken was united in marriage to Barbara. They enjoyed travel across the United States and internationally. Ken & Barb purchased a home in Tennessee and planned to live there ¾ time and returning to Michigan in the summers.

Mr. Murphy was loved by his family, wife, extended family, and friends from his past, present, and community. Mr. Murphy was known as a good listener, encourager, and wanted to see the best in others. His kind spirit often attracted others that enjoyed his charisma and personality. His friends and loved ones will remember his kindness, generosity, and support. His silver hair, bright smile, infectious laugh, and dimples lit up the room and made everyone’s day brighter. 

Ken is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Karen (Curtis); grandchildren: Andrew and Carrie; great-grandchildren: Brooklynn, Harper, and Logan; sister, Eleanor Chaney; many nephews and nieces; especially nephew, Ryan (Annette) Franse, and nieces, Brenda, and Carol Ann; extended family, children, grandchildren, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Carol Murphy (d. 2008); parents, John & Lena Murphy; siblings: Delores, LaVerne, Carmeleta, and Helen; and father-and-mother-in-law, Albert & Clarabelle Kehoe

Special thank you to his friends, Hurley Medical Center, Walgreen’s staff, Eagles of Vassar, and his long-term family physician, Dr. Basim Tofiq.

Mr. Murphy is gone but not forgotten. He gifted his North Lake home to his daughter, Karen, as a legacy for his grandchildren, Carrie & Andrew, and great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Harper, and Logan. Ken said his favorite word was “DREAM” as he came from very humble beginnings and provided a good life and future for himself and his family.

Kindly share a memory with Ken's family in the guestbook below.

Ken and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Vassar. 1148 W. Saginaw Rd, Vassar, MI 48768.

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