LARNED — Robert Murphy passed into heaven on July 30, 2023, at Diversicare in Larned.

He was born on Sept. 10, 1935, in Pawnee County to John and Elizabeth (Wilhelm) Murphy. On June 5, 1955 he married Janice LaVonne Ashworth at Macksville, Kan.; she survives. Other survivors include: his children, Steven (Lynda) Murphy, Linda (Rocky) Fox, Jeff (Fay) Murphy; daughter-in-law Malissa Murphy Rank; 12 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren with twin great-grandsons to be born soon. He also had many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Lester Murphy, J.D. Murphy, Melvin Murphy; two sisters, Nora Blackburn, and Verna Lea Kirkwood; a son, Mark Murphy; a granddaughter Kariane Murphy; and a great-grandson, Jerryd Washington.

Bob was a member of the First Christian Church, Larned. He was employed at Doerr Metal Products for 37 years, many of those as a foreman. Bob served six years in the Kansas National Guard. Bob had many interests; he enjoyed country music, but his great love was racing. He drove a stock racecar in the 1950’s, followed all the NASCAR races, and attended several of them with his good friend, John Carlson. 

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at the First Christian Church, Larned, with Pastor Damon Bradley presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at Beckwith Mortuary with family present from 5-7 p.m. Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery with military graveside rites. Memorials may be given to First Christian Church or Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Beckwith Mortuary

PO Box 477

Larned, Kansas 67550

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 1, 2023