Thomas Edward MURPHY

1956 - 2022

Born in Iowa on March 7, 1956 and passed away in Palmdale, Calif. on May 14, 2022, with his beloved Rhonda by his side.
Tom grew up in Lancaster, attending Desert View Elementary and graduating from Antelope Valley High School in 1974.
In 1987, after working for many years at Quartz Hill Auto Parts, Tom bought the shop from owner Don Logan. Tom was the proud owner of Quartz Hill Auto Parts for over 30 years. His extraordinary expertise, skill and vast knowledge gained him many loyal customers who depended on him for help and trusted his advice above all others. He was unequalled in his field.
Not surprisingly, Tom's main hobbies and interests included things with engines - drag racing, aviation, and above all, MOTORCYCLES! One highlight ride was the 2011 multi-state mo- torcycle tour he took with pal Dennis. Joys of his life included: Weekly motorcycle rides with his buddies (fondly referred to as "The Geezers"), learning about American history (especially World War II), helping Rhonda with anything and everything (horses, birds, construction projects, gardening, pool care), playing with the cats and caring for his goat (named Goat-O-Guzzi, of course!).
Tom was predeceased by his parents Paul and Jean Murphy, his brother Kerry Murphy and his sister Kathleen Davis. He is survived by his brother-in-law, nieces, nephews and his love and partner of nearly 20 years, Rhonda Oliver.
A memorial service will be held Friday, June 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Halley-Olsen-Murphy Funerals & Cremations, 44831 N. Cedar Ave., Lancaster, Calif. 93534. Reception to follow. For more info: https://www.halleyolsen.com/memorials/thomas-murphy/4930238/obituary.php.