George E. "Pete" Murphy

George E. "Pete" Murphy, 91, of Springfield, died at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2013 at Auburn Nursing Home. George was born May 25, 1922 in Pawnee, the son of Roy and Naomi Brantley Murphy. He married Ardith Millburg on January 22, 1946; she preceded him in death on March 17, 1987. George was a devoted farmer for over 40 years and had been employed with the Illinois State Police. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus #4179, where he had served as Grand Knight. George was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans since 1965 and the Springfield Ski & Boat Club since the early 1990's. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Thomas. He is survived by his companion, Kathy Nacke of Springfield; seven daughters, Cherie (husband, Les) Sexton-Young and Vickie (husband, Michael) Armstrong, both of Springfield, Connie (husband, Jim) Blalock of Piney Flats, TN, Patti (husband, Bill) Moehring of Mahomet, Linda Murphy (companion, Joe Mackay) of Chatham, Margie (husband, Bob) Caldwell of Pawnee, and Janine (husband, Jeff) Oxencis of Rochester; sixteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Bruce Murphy of Champaign; and one sister, Barbara (husband, Don) Blehm of Pueblo, CO. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Military honors will be provided by Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County following the prayer service. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2013 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. John R. Ossola celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Department of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to: Disabled American Veterans, 809 S. Grand Ave. W., Springfield, IL 62704.