Ralph D Murphy

Born April 6, 1951 in Peoria to Donald and Anita (Winton) Murphy, he married Cheryl Anne Brown on October 7, 2006 in East Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are his parents of Pekin; one son, Brandon Park of Normal; and one sister, Donita Murphy of Indianapolis, Indiana.

His grandparents preceded him in death.

Ralph worked for Caterpillar, Inc., last working as a machine operator in the gearing area in East Peoria. He worked many years previously in a print shop in Pekin.

He was a member of The Redeemers Special Church in Peoria for many years where he especially liked to drive church buses, loved the people he picked up, and enjoyed playing guitar in church services.

He was a blues guitarist in past years. He was very passionate about music and studying the Bible.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2009at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Pastor Jack Cook will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Redeemers Special Church in care of Pastor Jack Cook, 493 Sherry Lane, East Peoria, IL 61611.