Leslie Carlton Murphy

1940 – 2021

Waterville – Leslie Carlton Murphy, 80, of Waterville, Me., passed away at Inland Hospital in Waterville on September 23, 2021. He was born on October 19, 1940 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Willa Laura Ward and Leslie Eugene Murphy. He attended grade school and high school in Mission , Kansas before attending Grand Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO from where he graduated from high school in 1959. In 1972 he graduated from South Texas College in Houston, Texas with an associate Degree in Business. In between high school and college, he served his country in the US Army from 1963 to 1965 in The Medical Corps in San Antonio, TX during the Vietnam War.

In 1968 Leslie married Gina Mortinez at The First Methodist Church in downtown Houston with Pastor Bruce Compton officiating. From 1966 to 1989, he was a member of The First Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. In 1989 he joined The Sugar Creek Baptist Church where he also sang in the choir and was an active member of The Living Hope Ministries Through Faith in Jesus Christ for Addiction Recovery.

Leslie worked for 20 years for Gulf Oil Company as an accountant. He enjoyed camping, cook outs, fishing, tennis and he was a lifelong member of The Young Men’s Christian Association. He was known for being a master artist, spending hours coloring intricate owls with gels pens.

Leslie is survived by: his brother, Robert Ward Murphy, (Pseudo) daughter: Michelle Franzose, her husband: Ricky Franzose, grandchildren: Seth Franzose, Forest Franzose and Halli Franzose.

Leslie prepared a eulogy format that he wanted to share with all in his obituary:

“Adopted by Pseudo daughter Michelle Franzose, Ricky Franzose, Seth, Halli and Forest. I lived with my family in a father-in-law apartment in China, Maine. My family has a homeless ministry, Least of These, which I loved to help. They really changed my life. I don’t know where I would have been without them. Michelle advocated for me with all that she had to ensure I would get the services I needed and to keep me safe. If it wasn’t for them, I would never have had an experience of having a daughter or family.”

Carl was a kind and gentle spirit who walked with the Lord throughout his life. He loved the poem “Footprints” as it reminded him of how many times the Lord held him through many storms in his life. He loved music, people and ministry. He loved with his whole heart to everyone, and he knew how to make any person very special.

You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories by visiting Leslie’s guest book at Veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to : Least of These a Homeless Ministry in Leslie’s memory: Go to: www.leastoftheseklc.com.

Visitation will be held at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home on Monday October 4th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Services will follow at 11:00 along with Military Honors. Committal will be held at a later date at The VA Cemetery in Houston, Texas. A Service of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine 04901. (207) 872-7676