Michael "Mike" Martin Murphy Jr.

Michael “Mike” Martin Murphy Jr., 55, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on December 21, 2024. Born on August 14, 1969, in Ashtabula, Ohio, he was the son of Michael Martin Murphy Sr. and Linda Loretta Lander.

Mike graduated from Jefferson Town High School and attended Rose State College. He served his country with honor in both the United States Navy and the Army. From 1988 to 1992, Mike served aboard the USS Nicholas, where he was a Morse Code expert. He continued his military service from 1992 to 1997, stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for the Army. Mike's time in the military instilled in him discipline, dedication, and a strong sense of loyalty to his country.

In 1992, Mike moved to Oklahoma and made it his permanent home. He married his beloved wife, Darla Renee Hawkins, on May 20, 1999, and they celebrated 25 years of marriage. Mike was a devoted husband and father, who cherished every moment with his family. He is survived by his wife Darla; three children, Jimmy Murphy (Molly) of Moore, Oklahoma, Blake Murphy (AnneMarie) of Yukon, Oklahoma, and Aric Murphy of Oklahoma City; and his siblings, Shelly Wyman (Ben) of Louisville, Kentucky, and April Murphy of Bowling Green, Kentucky. He was also a grandfather to Jaxtyn Cole Murphy, Kannon Jay Murphy, and Juliette Marie Murphy.

Mike had a variety of passions. He enjoyed watching football, playing basketball, and coaching the boys' baseball team alongside his best friend, Steve Kish, for three seasons. Mike also took up golfing in 2011 with Steve. He had a special place in his heart for Christmas, going all out each year with an elaborate light display in his yard, reminiscent of the Griswolds, which brought him great joy. His meticulous attention to detail was also evident in his pride for his lawn, always ensuring it looked as pristine as a golf green.

For 18 years, Mike worked at Oklahoma Natural Gas Company, where he was known for his work ethic and the many friendships he cultivated over the years.

Mike loved many things in life, but nothing compared to his love for his family, his faith, and his sense of humor. He could always be found laughing at a good joke, and he passed on valuable lessons to those around him: to always keep your word, stay true to your faith, and avoid procrastination. He wanted to be remembered as a man of God who lived with integrity and was a giver to those in need.

A funeral service to celebrate Mike’s life will be held on December 26, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Park Chapel, 2301 E. Indian Hills Rd., Norman, Oklahoma 73071.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.