Lewis Leland Murphy, age 34, of Helena

Our son and brother, Lewis Leland Murphy, 34, left us on June 26, 2025, in Helena, MT. He passed away at the family home from complications after a seizure.

Lewis was born on March 21, 1991, in Golden Valley, MN, to Lisa and Scott Murphy. He was the youngest of three sons and had a younger sister. He attended school in Lake Oswego, OR, before moving to the Helena area in 1998.   He attended school in East Helena, Montana City, and Helena High School. He lived and worked in Missoula for a time, then returned to Helena in 2015.

Lewis was a character from the very start, perhaps because he felt he had to compete with two older brothers. His easy way of telling a less-than-truthful story as a youngster got him into trouble at times and led to many stories and family laughs later in life. He grew up doing what a boy his age often does: school, sports, Cub Scouts, etc. As a young teenager, he developed chronic and debilitating migraine headaches that affected and framed the rest of his life. He worked hard when he was able and had several employers who appreciated and accommodated his needs.

Lewis had a keen intellect, a quick, sometimes dark, sense of humor, and had an empathic way of connecting with people. He was a learner and challenged his worldview through reading or podcasts. He loved to share his new findings and insights with others. Within the family, this often took the form of a “Lewis drive-by” in which a thought or recent, astute world observation would be delivered at random times of the day or night. He was a big fan of stand-up comedy, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Remember, the answer is “42”.

He had growing handyman skills and natural artistic talent, which he worked on when health allowed. He loved animals, especially his cats, and is missed greatly by furry companions Joe and Meeko. He loved and appreciated his family and their support, saving particular admiration and pride for his little sister.

Lewis is survived by his parents, Lisa and Scott Murphy; sister Nina; brothers Chris (Clara) and Andrew (Maggie); brother by choice, Matt Mergens; grandparents Lewis and Nina Savik; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and numerous friends. Catherine English-Straub made a real difference in this life.

Lewis would not want you to be sad at his passing. Grieve in your own way, but he would appreciate a joke about it, as humor brings us together.

Services for Lewis will be held on Friday, August 1, at noon at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, with lunch provided afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lewis’ name may be given to the Helena Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

Service Schedule

Celebration of His Life

12:00pm

Friday August 1, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the Memorial Service

Friday August 1, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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