Ronald Eugene Murphy, 73, passed away on October 19th, 2021 in Wichita, Kansas.
Ron was born in St. Charles, Missouri to Frederick Francis Murphy and Viola Josephine (Jones) Murphy. Raised between Millwood and Silex, Missouri, he graduated from Silex High School in 1966. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Missouri in Rolla for a year and a half, until he returned home to care for family.
After returning to Silex he worked for his brother, Bob Murphy, at the Silex Market, until he started working in animal pharmaceutical production. Ron worked his way up to production/plant manager and worked in the industry for nearly 25 years. Ron was a hard worker, a great manager and was well respected by colleagues and employees.
Ron enjoyed cheering for and listening to St. Louis Cardinal games, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Mizzou basketball and football and just about anything sports related. He did NOT care for sports analysts. Ron loved meeting new people, though he rarely met a stranger. Ron loved his community, church, and blue pick-up truck which he loved to use for hauling items to the church garage sale.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Viola, brothers Fred, Bob, Dave, Gary, sister Mary Jo and granddaughter Natalie.
Ron is survived by wife Cindy Murphy (Wichita), son Casey Murphy (Lauren) of Ozark Mo, and daughter Meagan Montes-Murphy (Carlos Montes-Aviles) of Wichita, grandchildren Andrew (22), Laura (18), Charlie (3), Catalina (1), step granddaughter Lucy (13) and step grandson Noel (14), brothers Ed and Tim, sisters Patty, Judy and Janet and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a Memorial Service at Wathena United Methodist Church, in Wathena, Kansas on Friday, October 29th, 2021. The service begins at 11am, with lunch to follow. Family members will be staying Friday evening to catch up with friends and relatives traveling in for the memorial. For those interested, the family will be staying at Candlewood Suites in St. Joseph and gather at Ground Round Downtown in St. Joseph at 6pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated in Ron’s memory to the Arc of the Ozarks @ 1501 E Pythian St, Springfield MO 65802. The Arc of the Ozarks provided respite and summer care for Ron’s granddaughter, Natalie, who had multiple disabilities and held a special place in his heart.
Baker Funeral Home Valley Center is handling arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.