According to Bernard “Murph” Murphy, the key to successful farming in Illinois in 1930, was to have lots of children. He was one of nine siblings raised by parents Joe and Elizabeth Murphy during the depression. In such times, Bernard learned the practical benefits of burning corn in place of coal, doing without a telephone, and parking the Ford and walking. He never lost perspective of these lessons throughout his long and happy life. One of his favorite activities was fixing anything and everything rather than buying things new.
Murph served during the Korean War, and his three older brothers served in WWII. A US Air Force man, Murph was trained in electrical engineering. When asked late in life what rank he attained he replied “Sergeant. I’ve been a sergeant my whole life.” Murph was said to be hot “stuff” and have all his “stuff” squared away.
While stationed in New Mexico, Murph met his wife Nancy (Nan). They would be happily married for the rest of their lives, but first, their plans to start a family required Murph to quickly find a job after his military service. He called Al O’Donnell at EG&G and was hired over the phone. According to Al, Murph’s qualifications included a shining service record and a good Irish name.
Soon after, Murph and Nancy moved to Las Vegas where they settled for life.
Murph and Nan had three children, Karen, Kevin and Mike. They had two grandchildren, Sean and Erin, as well as five great-grandchildren. Murph and Nan enjoyed their family, Notre Dame Football and gambling at the Gold Coast casino, not necessarily in that order. In addition, Murph had a green thumb. He took pleasure in growing and harvesting plentiful bounties of tomatoes, which he would often deliver to his neighbors and his friends at the Gold Coast.
The family would like to extend special gratitude to Delores, Robert, Ador, Dr. Tom, Bob O., Scott, Alice, and Eldercare Services who all helped to make Murph’s last years comfortable and dignified. Bernard joined the Lord on May 26, 2011 at the age of 80. He was one of the great ones and will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Visitation at Palm Mortuary at Jones and Oakey on Thursday, June 2nd, 3pm – 7pm with Services Friday June 3rd at 10am.
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