Lawrence G. "Murph" MURPHY

1936 - 2024

It is with great sadness we share the passing of Lawrence "Murph" Glenn Murphy, beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was born in Lincoln, NE, to Oris Ray Murphy and Anna Buss, on August 14, 1936. The family moved to Spokane when his father was transferred to Fairchild Air Force Base. He was only 12 years old when his father died, and they had to move to the house on Nebraska Avenue. He attended Willard Elementary and then graduated from Mead High School. He worked at the Steam Plant and the Cooper George Building as a Stationary Engineer before going to Barber School. He met the love of his life, Heleene Winkler, after a wild night of dancing out at the State Line. They were engaged a year later.

In 1959, he opened his own barbershop at the corner of Nevada and Gordon which he operated for 16 years. He left the business once long hair came in style. As his sons remember they were the last in their classrooms not to have "whitewalls" around their ears. He joined Wm Winkler Company in 1976. He worked as a backhoe operator, and a foreman and spent hours working in the shop. He retired early in 1999 to take care of his mother and aunt until their passing. He could fix or build anything, and he loved to fish in Montana.

He was an avid gardener and professional coffee drinker in his retirement years at The Bend, the Broadway Truck Stop and Starbucks on Market. He traveled with his wife to Diamond Bar, Ca and Seattle to spend time with his sons and grandchildren. His grandchildren have fond memories of spending time with him helping feed the squirrels, birds, and rabbits. You could always find him either watering his yard, puttering in the garage, or drinking coffee with the guys.

Larry is survived by his amazing wife, Heleene of almost 65 years; sons, David Murphy (Michele) and Daniel Murphy (Ann); his grandchildren, Ryan, Michaela, Tillery, Maddi and John; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Helen.

A Funeral Mass honoring Larry will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral on Thursday, June 20, at 10:00 am. His online memorial page can be found at www.holycrossofspokane.org