Roger F. Murphy, 81, passed away peacefully Dec. 24, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Great Bend. He was born July 16, 1938, in Great Bend, to Edward and Dolores (Schartz) Murphy.
From a young age, Roger proved to be a tenacious leader. After graduating from Great Bend High School in 1957, he juggled college classes at Fort Hays State University, a busy farming operation, and seven years of service in the US Army Reserves. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Fisher, on Aug. 27 1960 in Great Bend, in the midst of launching his first business venture, Great Bend Feeding, Inc. in 1959.
As with most successful businessmen, his interests and knowledge grew from farming and livestock to include real estate and banking as well. Over the years, he had founded or co-founded many other successful business ventures, including Alfalfa Pellets, American State Bank, NA, Innovative Livestock Services and Dillwyn Acres. His extensive business knowledge also led Roger to invest in several local business projects, including CPI Qualified Plan Consultants and Fuller Industries.
In addition to Roger’s professional accomplishments, he also had an impressive volunteer service record. Roger helped found and develop the Golden Belt Community Foundation and Catholic Social Services, and has served as a board member for many organizations, including First National Bank, Barton County Historical Society, St. Rose Foundation, American State Bank, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Innovative Livestock Services. Roger’s community service also extended him to serve on many other various efforts, including the B-29 Memorial.
Roger was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, Great Bend, Knights of Columbus Council #862, Kansas Livestock Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
Survivors include wife, Mary Murphy, of the home; one son, Andrew Murphy and wife Megan of Telluride, Colo.; one daughter, Kayla Fischer and husband Steve of Wichita; one sister, Jill Eliason and husband Dan of Overland Park; five grandchildren, Bailey Johansen and husband Eric of Wichita, Bryce Fischer of Wichita, Hadley Murphy, Owen Murphy and Emmett Murphy all of Telluride; and a great granddaughter, Sophia Johansen. Roger was preceded in passing by his parents, Edward and Dolores (Schartz) Murphy; step father, K.W. “Pete” Kirkman; and two brothers, Doug Kirkman and Donald Kirkman.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 - 9 p.m., Friday Dec. 27, at Bryant Funeral Home, with a Vigil and Rosary at 7 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Community Foundation or Barton Community College Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, Kansas 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 27, 2019
