Karl D Murphy

Karl was born January 23, 1940 to John K Murphy and Helen (Lock) Murphy in Fredonia, Kansas. He grew up in Fredonia and graduated in 1958 from Fredonia High School. Karl graduated from Kansas State College of Pittsburg in 1962 with a B.S. in Mathematics. He joined the United States Air Force, attending Officer Training School, becoming a Lieutenant, and attending Flight School becoming a pilot for F-4 Phantoms and flew missions over North Vietnam in the mid to late 60's while he was stationed in Thailand. Among other accomplishments and recognition, he received the Silver Wings and the Air Medal Award during his service with the Air Force. After leaving the Air Force, Karl became a Pilot for Delta Airlines and was employed there, flying Boeing 727's for 25 years until his retirement in 1994. He resided in Miami, Florida for several years and near Houston, Texas for a major portion of his life. Karl was an auto mechanic and Classic Corvette enthusiast, and restored several cars over the years, including 1954, 1962 and 1971 Corvette models. Karl learned electrical wiring as a teenager, from his dad and was a Handyman and "Jack of all Trades". He loved mechanic and woodworking tools and did much of the construction and detail finishing for a home he lived in for 25 years in Magnolia, Texas. Karl loved boating and being on the water. He built his own small rowboat when he was a boy, and had a twin engine inboard as an adult which he loved to use on Lake Conroe. Karl was a Believer that Jesus Christ is the Living Son of God and is his Savior for Eternal Life.

Survivors include his brother John R Murphy and wife, Sue of Derby, Kansas, son Michael Murphy and wife, Lisa of Austin, Texas, daughter Michele Lazzara and husband, Trey of Austin, Texas, grandchildren Jake Murphy, Luke Lazzara, and Mia Lazzara, sister in-law Pat (Frazier) Murray of Greensboro, North Carolina, also many other cousins, nieces and nephews related to the family circle mentioned here.

Karl was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Frazier) Murphy and his parents.

A celebration of life visitation for Karl will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Metcalf Funeral Directors, 1801 E White Oak Terrace, Conroe, Texas 77304.

Interment and a Military Ceremony will be at Guilford Memorial Park in Greensboro, North Carolina, directed by Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home.

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