John Murphy

John passed away peacefully on December 24, 2022, in Kerens, Texas. He was born on May 3, 1932, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Earl Murphy and Birdie Crowder Murphy.

John was one of eight children who loved his big family. He dearly loved his beloved Jewel, his true love of 37 years, and the extended family that came with her. John proudly served in the United States Air Force, receiving the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was a long-time member of Crandall First Baptist Church. He was a hardworking man and a “jack of all trades.” John never met a stranger and was always the first to step up to help someone in need. John enjoyed hunting, especially with his brothers. He was a mama’s boy at heart and was full of life and love for those around him. John will live on in the hearts and memories of all that knew and loved him.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Birdie Murphy; daughter, Vicky McPherson; three brothers and a sister.

He is survived by his beloved, Jewel Murphy; children, Cathryn Murphy Catchings, Robert and Ellen Murphy; grandchildren, Jason and Erin Catchings, Jeremy and Kim Catchings, and Joshua and Michelle Catchings, Megan Murphy; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Sada, Evada, Corbin, Adera, Anderson, Vivian, and Caleb Catchings; sisters, Pat Crain, Frances Hiatt, and Marty Benthul.

There will be a gathering before the memorial service starting at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023