Michael A. Murphy

Michael A. Murphy departed this life on March 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of his friends and family. Born January 14, 1960, in Larned Kansas, Michael graduated from Larned High School in 1978, followed by a Master's Degree in English from Wichita State University.
Michael's natural talent for playing the piano without any formal training was his hallmark quality, defining and shaping every aspect of his life. This amazing skill earned him lifelong recognition, winning several piano competitions in high school and a guest appearance on the Lawrence Welk Show.
After a time in Wichita, Michael followed his passion and talent on the piano and moved to Denver Colorado where he entertained at the world-renowned Brown Palace Hotel for many years. Following a short stint in Florida and performing on a cruise ship, he moved to Chicago Illinois and continued his entertainment career, playing at major hotels and venues throughout Chicagoland. It was at this time he adopted the stage name of Mikel Murphy.
Mikel thrived in the high energy and eclectic lifestyle of the big city. His engaging personality won him many friends from all over the world, relationships that would continue for the rest of his life. After many years living in Chicago, he felt the calling to move to the east coast and settled in the Washington DC suburb of New Carrollton Maryland, where he lived until his death.
A tragic accident in 2008 changed the course of his life when he was rear-ended by another vehicle as he was stopped at a traffic light. Mikel suffered a traumatic brain injury and had a near death experience – something that would validate his deep spiritual connection and became a source of great comfort to him. He was always grateful that the injury did not impact his ability to play the piano and remember the countless musical pieces that he performed throughout the years.
Even with this disability, Mikel adjusted to his new condition and went on to lead a quiet but impactful life. True to Mikel's engaging personality and love for people from all walks of life, he developed a close family of friends and neighbors, many of whom were with him near the end.
Mikel was truly a man from another era. His defining musical genre was the Big Band tunes of the 30's and 40's, and he even had his own big band for a time. He had a unique affinity for the people and culture of this time - something that anyone who knew him sensed immediately.
His amazing memory and love of dialogue resulted in his ability to inflict upon his friends an endless stream of quotes from the Golden Girls, All in the Family, and countless movies and TV shows. He enjoyed entertaining in his home and throwing exquisite dinner parties followed by a private concert with Mikel entertaining his guests at the piano. He loved to dance, sing and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Mikel had a passion for gardening, raising and canning tomatoes, and turned the backyard of his home into a showcase flower garden. He possessed a keen intellect and threw himself into many diverse topics, studying politics and current events, art, decorating, history, and finances among other subjects. He traveled to Europe on several occasions and spent time with friends in Switzerland. Mikel thoroughly enjoyed the European way of life and was a devoted fan of Queen Elizabeth. His home was filled with antiques and artwork, recordings of all the big band hits, first edition books, and of course his prized grand piano. One of his final accomplishments was to earn his certification in Medical Coding, a rigorous course of study that took several years to complete.
Above all else, Mikel treasured his relationships with friends and family. He was proceeded in death by his father, Ambrose Murphy, in 1973 and his mother, Marji Murphy, in 2020, whom he lovingly cared for in his home the last years of her life. His ashes will be buried in the Larned Cemetery with his parents. He is survived by his aunt, Helen Collins, and his cousin, Brad Collins, both of Larned Kansas. And he will be dearly missed by his many close friends around the world.