Richard Thomas Murphy

Richard Thomas Murphy, affectionately known as “Reno”- the legend, and the lifelong cowboy-at-heart, peacefully passed through the veil on June 3, 2025, into the loving arms of his eternal companion. Though he was 92, Reno remained forever young in spirit and full of life.

Dad was born to William Richard Murphy and Bessie Gladys Pryor Murphy on March 19, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He enjoyed a happy childhood filled with time spent at the local library, movie theater, and countless adventures with his siblings and friends.

Dad graduated from Davis High in 1952 and the University of Utah in 1961. (Go Utes)

Dad met the love of his life, Connie Bennett, in high school, and together they began a love story for the ages. Our parents were married on March 26, 1953, in the Salt Lake Temple. Though they were separated for three years after Connie’s passing in March 2022, we are overjoyed knowing they are now reunited—together again, forever.

Dad had an unforgettable sense of humor and a magnetic personality that made him the life of every party. He is deeply loved and cherished by every member of our family. His generosity was boundless—he was always ready with a firm handshake and a surprise twenty-dollar bill slipped into someone’s palm, whether he knew them or not.

Family was everything to our parents. They gave their all for us, and their traditions remain a treasured part of our lives—traditions we will continue for generations to come.

Dad and Mom were blessed to travel to many wonderful places with their children and grandchildren, creating priceless memories. Of all the places Dad visited, Ticaboo, Utah, was his most beloved. Annual family trips to Lake Powell are treasured times. Each year, Dad hosted a kite-flying competition and a long-drive golf ball contest, aimed at hitting the ball across the road—complete with prizes and plenty of fun.

Dad had a deep and abiding testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and our family finds great comfort in the plan of salvation and the promise of eternal families. Dad served in many capacities in the church and especially loved his time in the Bishopric and as Scout Master.

Dad’s time serving in the military during the Korean War (1953-1955) was one of growth and camaraderie, and he remained proud of his service throughout his life.

The family settled in Holladay, Utah in 1962. We feel blessed to have been raised in a great neighborhood, where we made lifelong friends. Dad and Mom lived in their beloved home for 62 years, where the love, laughter, and memories created there has been felt by all generations.

Dad’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and faith. His presence will be missed dearly, but the light he brought into our lives will continue to shine brightly through all of us.

These are a few of his favorite things: cars, trains, guns, Coke, U of U sports, flashlights and the Coco invitational at Chuck-O-Rama.

He is survived by his 4 children, Lynn Asay and her husband Blair, Jill Steed and her husband Rick, Shaun Murphy and his wife Christi, Lee Ann Mitchell and her husband Bob, along with 17 grandchildren, and 27 great grandchildren who lovingly called him Grandpa Reno and Grandpa Richie. He loved his family beyond measure!

Dad was preceded in death by his love and wife, Coco, parents, William & Bessie Murphy, and his sister Pat and younger siblings Mike and Kristine.

Services: Thursday June 12th, 2025 Memorial Mountain View Mortuary 3115 Bengal Boulevard Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

Viewing – 12:00PM – 1:30PM

Funeral – 2:00 PM