Earl George Murphy, age 85, died February 8, 2013, at his Helena valley home. Born June 14, 1927 to John E. Murphy and Matilda Hicks Murphy. Earl grew up on the family ranch in the Wolf Creek Canyon. He attended Wolf Creek School and was a member of the harmonica band.
After graduating from Helena High School, Earl served with the Corps of Engineers in the Philippines. He retired as a Major from the U.S. Army Reserves.
April 15, 1950, he married Ellen Kathryn McKelvey. They raised five sons.
After attending Carroll College he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation on the Canyon Ferry Damn Project. Later Earl worked for Morrison-Maierle Engineering Co.; Helena Sand and Gravel; and then the State of Montana Department of Highways, as Surface Design Engineer, retiring after 30 years.
As a youngster, Earl saw his first airplane fly over the ranch. He learned how to fly. His favorite plane was a Cessna 120. He enjoyed taking the children and grandchildren flying with him.
He also delighted in taking hunting and fishing trips with his family. He learned the skills of hunting from his father instilling in Earl the importance of accuracy in bringing home the game to feed the family.
In l970, Earl & Ellen started the Bar7M Ranch in the Helena Valley. The ranch gave Earl the opportunity to teach his boys the importance of self-reliance and the ability to get things done.
As a member of the Army Rifle Team, he competed in numerous matches and coached the Jr. Rifle Team. A lifetime NRA member. He served on the AMPRE Board of Directors; Farm Bureau Board of Directors; supported 4-H and Central High School Booster Club.
Preceded in death by his parents, son Terry, and brother, Bob. Brothers-in-law Tom Stoll, and Steve Puhek.
Survivors include Ellen his wife of 62 years, sons Michael Earl (Jeanne) and children, Jason (Cindy) and Lance (Jayla) and Tracey Wareham (Jeremy); John Thomas; William R. (Randy) (Crystal) sons, William (Danielle), Christopher, and Trevor (Sheena); Mark Roy and daughter, Elizabeth Watson; Daughter-in-law Lynda (Terry) Murphy, and children Cole, Kathryn and Kaycee.
He is also survived by his sister, Lauri Stoll, ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren; Brothers-in-law Patrick McKelvey (Judy), and Sheila (Gary) McKelvey Dietzen, and Lenore McKelvey Puhek.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 14, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will be held in the social center of the funeral home immediately following the memorial service. Interment with military honors will be at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison, at approximately 3:50 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in Earl’s name to the Algeria Shrine Transportation Fund C/O Algeria Shrine P.O. Box 1174, Helena, Montana 59624.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service to Approximatley 3:20 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Center
,
Burial with Military Honors
Approxiamtely 3:50 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2013
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Heroes Row`
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service to Approximatley 3:20 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Center
,
Burial with Military Honors
Approxiamtely 3:50 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2013
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Heroes Row`
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Nancy and Don Burnham says
We are in Texas and as usual the first thing I check in the Ir is the obits. What a shock to see Earl’s name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you even though we will be absent.
Leslie Stoll O'Neill says
Aunt Ellen and family:
I’m so sorry to hear of Earl’s passing. I have great memories of him ~ especially going to your house while we waited for Santa on Christmas Eve. He was a gentle and hard working man whom I admired very much. I bet Earl is right this minute saying hello to my dad and brother. I will see you all on Thursday.
Inez Slayman says
Great memories and condolences to you, William and Crystal, Mark and John. My prayers and thoughts to all of your family at this difficult time. Take care.
Don Murphy says
Aunt Ellen, Mike, John, Bill, Mark, & the rest of the Murphy clan. I am so sorry for your loss. I know first hand that it hard to go through this process of saying good-bye. My memories of uncle Earl will always be with me. A strong, hard working, fair minded man, with the love & patience it takes to raise a large family. He left behind a legacy that is hard to follow. I was so touched to hear that just before he passed over to the other side, being a little disorientated, told aunt Ellen he was getting ready to go flying with Bob. (his little brother, my dad.) He could have been recalling years ago when him & my dad owned & flew an airplane together. That, or the good Lord himself was giving Earl a glimpse of him & his little brother flying above the clouds together in Heaven. I choose to believe the latter. My prayers are with you all, that God will mend your broken hearts. Love you all, Don Murphy
Conn McKelvey & Family says
Aunt Ellen & The Murphy Clan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you this week. Earl was a special man — you always knew what he stood for and where you stood with him! I will never forget the memories of branding, moving cows, shooting gophers at the ranch, etc. God Bless, we’ll see you on Thursday.
Meghan Kiser and Family says
I will always remember Uncle Earl and the wonderful family times we have had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Allen Stenhjem says
Earl will be missed but not forgotten by all that crossed his path. God Bless .
J Johnson says
Dear Family and Friends of Earl Murphy, even though I did not personally know Mr. Murphy, reading about his life interested me and made me wish that I had known him. The loss of every human life is significant to me and should be valued by all. The Bible book of Hebrews reminds us that God does not forget all of the love and fine works shown by Mr. Murphy (Heb 6:10). It was not God’s original purpose that mankind should suffer and die. At creation God was able to say that everything was “very good” (Gen 1:31) Death and imperfection was introduced through Adam’s disobedience (Genesis 2:17) and inherited by all mankind. Jesus’ sacrifice of his human life on earth again gave us hope of everlasting life and soon death will be no more (Revelation 21:4). Hopefully, faith in these Bible promises will ease the pain from this loss. Because of these promises we have reason to be hopeful and look forward to seeing Mr. Murphy again in perfect health under Paradise conditions. We are also promised that the pain that we now experience with this loss “will not be called to mind.” (Isaiah 65:17) Meanwhile we have the opportunity to follow Jesus’ instruction to continue to take in Bible knowledge that leads to everlasting life (John 17:3).
Moira McKelvey says
Sad to hear of the loss of Uncle Earl, but he lived a good and full life. My thoughts are with the Murphy Clan. Take care of each other.
Annie Pearsons says
Aunt Ellen and family,
I was sorry to hear of Earl’s passing, and our prayers are with you. Earl was such a wonderful, open, and engaging man. I always enjoyed visiting with him and laughing at his funny sense of humor. He will be deeply missed. May The peace of God’s presence be with you and your family.
Dave Lewis says
What a loss. Earl was such a nice man. Always interested and involved. Will miss him at Farm Bureau dinners.
Chaela Manning and Family says
We have included you in our daily prayers that you may be comforted during this time of loss. We will remember Uncle Earl’s easy going nature and the fun we had at the ranch. May you be blessed with God’s peace. See you Thursday.
Ellen, Larry, Marti, and Loran Laknar says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your in your loss. Earl was a special person and after you met and visited with him, you would always remember him and his special personality.
It was a privilage to know him and his families.
Jon and Bonnie Largis says
Thinking of you during this difficult time and hoping you find comfort in the special and loving Memories of times shared with Earl.
Todd Dietzen says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Uncle Earl was a great Father and farmer. Mark and Earl taught me how to drive a truck and tractor during hay season. I will always cherrish the great memories of Earl taking Mark and me to the local tavern to eat greasy burgers, enjoy a few refreshments and play pool. It was a very safe environment for a young impreshnable young man like myself. Thanks Uncle Earl. Rest in peace.
Judith Williams says
My condolences to Ellen and family over Earl’s passing. He certainly led a full and productive life. My impressions of him were in the context of his family and the closeness to his wife, children and grandchildren. That is hard to accomplish these days. It is notable to me that I live in the house where Earl’s mother grew up. And his cousin Gary lives just up the road. It takes an obituary to point out connections that lie under the surface of daily routine.