Robert Murphy 1922~2008

MURPHY, BYERLEY, MUCK, GREGOIRE, STILES, ELKIN, ROGERS, BALMER

Posted By: Mary (email)
Date: 2/19/2008 at 14:22:14

Courtesy of the Ottumwa Courier

ALBIA — Robert Cecil “Bob” Murphy, age 85, of Albia, died Friday afternoon, Feb. 14, 2008, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia, Iowa.

Robert was born Oct. 23, 1922 in Albia to James and Gladys (Byerley) Murphy. Robert was raised in Albia and attended Albia High School. After school Robert married Louise Frazier Muck on Nov. 15, 1942 in Unionville, Mo. To this union, eight children were born. Louise died on Feb. 16, 2004.

Shortly after Robert was married he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army, during W.W.II.Robert worked at various occupations in different states throughout his life.

He retired from the Chicago Rivet Company in Albia. Robert was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the American Legion Howard Cessna Post No. 136, and the Knights of Columbus, all of Albia.Robert is survived by six of his children; Ron Murphy and wife Carole of Muskegon, Mich., Dean Murphy and wife Mary Kay of Albia, Mary Gregoire and husband Bob of Kent, Wash., Sheila Elkin and husband Jack of Albia, Pat Murphy and Judy Rogers of Albia, and Mike Murphy and wife Cheta of Albia; 19 grandchildren; 47 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Robert is also survived by two sisters, Helen Wells of Sigourney and Donna Slechta of Summitt, Ark.; and a special friend, Catherine “Katy” Balmer of Bloomfield.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, James and Gladys; his wife Louise; one son, James Murphy; one daughter, Teresa Stiles; one grandson; and one great grandson. Robert is also preceded by one sister Margaret Wiese; and one brother Leo Murphy.Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Rev. Michael E. Volkmer, CPPS officiating.Burial with military rites provided by the American Legion Howard Cessna Post No. 136 will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia.Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. today, Feb.18, at the Winfield Funeral Home. Robert’s family will be present from 6-8:00 p.m. this evening. A rosary service will also be led this evening at 7 p.m.Memorials may be given to Hospice of Monroe County.