Obituary of Harry J. Murphy

Harry James Murphy Funeral services for Harry James Murphy of Elsberry, MO will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, September 16, 2007 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. J. Larry Carter of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home will officiate with inurnment in Elsberry City Cemetery near Elsberry. Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Watts, Bob Gladney, Steve Creech, Mike Talbot, Doc Wilson, Harry Cooper, Dale Hurley, and Rich Trammel Mr. Murphy, 89, died Thursday morning, September 13, 2007 at his son's home near Clarksville, MO. Born March 27, 1918 in Elsberry, he was the son of Oscar and Ruby Womble Murphy. He was raised in Elsberry and graduated in 1937 from Elsberry High School. He was united in marriage in 1938 to Hattie Tadlock. This union was blessed with one son, James Murphy. Mr. Murphy served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy from May 11, 1944 until being honorably discharged on January 13, 1946 as a Radioman 3rd class. He was married to Shirley Jetter on April 5, 1948 in San Francisco, CA. He was employed for many years as an ironworker for Bechtel Construction. He was a member of American Legion Post #226 in Elsberry. An avid fan of sports involving local kids, he rarely missed an area track meet, soccer, basketball, or softball game. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ruby Murphy; one brother, Homer Murphy; one sister, Elva Mae Palmer; and his beloved wife of 52 years, Shirley Murphy, who died in 2000. Survivors include one son, James Murphy and his wife, Binnie, of Clarksville; six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and six great, great-grandchildren; other relatives, and friends. Visitation will be held from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., Sunday, September 16, 2007 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Memorials may be made to the Elsberry Athletic Booster Club in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 South Fifth Street, Elsberry, MO 63343.