Roger L. Murphy

Roger was born July 29, 1936, in Tyrone, OK, to George Greer Murphy and Willow Mai Greer and grew up in Oklahoma and in Liberal, Kansas. At age 18 he joined the U.S. Navy and spent four years in the service of his country in the Pacific theater, ultimately achieving the rating of Yeoman Second Class. On leaving active duty in 1958, he married Judith Ann Coday, with whom he had three sons before the couple divorced. Roger was in the Navy Reserve from 1958 to 1962, during which time he earned an associate of science in business and then went into mortgage banking.

In 1977, a friend introduced him to Mary Judith (Judy) Hollaman, who worked in a nearby office in Kansas City. Roger and Judy married six weeks later and were inseparable thereafter. Their mutual devotion was evident to all who knew them, and led to more than 46 years of shared love, laughter, and delight, as well as a successful mortgage banking firm that they ran together.

To the end, Roger was a kind, compassionate, and fun-loving man, described by his children as “one of the funniest people to ever walk the earth.” A man of many talents, he produced beautiful watercolor paintings, photographs, needlepoint, and drawings. He designed rugs, mosaics, landscapes, and one-of-a-kind polymer clay dolls, and pursued gardening, fishing, music, and a stunning variety of crafts with an enthusiasm and success that continually astonished his family. Unfailingly curious and full of wonder, he never turned down an opportunity to master a new art form or explore a new interest. He loved laughter, beauty, joy, and most of all his family.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, George and Willow Mai Murphy, a brother, George Murphy, and two sisters, Marge Grounds and Rita Murphy. He is survived by his wife, Judy (Hollaman) Murphy, of the home, his children—Randy Murphy and wife Lynnell of Corpus Christi, TX; Scott Murphy of Plano, TX; Tim Murphy and wife Margie, of Bastrop, TX; DeAnna Burghart and husband Mike, of Aliso Viejo, CA; and Deborah Tharp and husband Don of Ector, TX—twelve grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Roger's life will be held at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel on September 17 (details to come).

Please wear facial coverings if you plan on attending Roger's services for your own protections. The family thanks you in advance.