Gene Murphy

Gene Andrew Murphy, age 87 of Jerseyville, died Sunday afternoon January 4, 2015 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born July 24, 1927 in Jerseyville, IL the son of Andrew and Anna (Alward) Murphy. He married Norma Catherine Schmidt on November 29, 1950 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Carrollton, IL. They were happily married for 57 years.

He is survived by two sons and daughter-in-law, Michael and Jean Murphy of Greenfield, IL and Philip Murphy of Collinsville, IL, one daughter and son-in-law Margot and Doug Huber of Brighton IL; six grandchildren, Jessica, Caroline and Monica Murphy. Meagan and Derek Daum and Danielle Huber; one sister Mary French of Jerseyville. He survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; one brother and sister-in-law Bill & Dorothy Murphy; 2 sisters and brother-in-law Anna Marie and Jack and Drew, and Dorothy and Tom Allen.

Gene graduated from Jersey Township High School in 1945. After graduation he joined the Army and served during WWII. Gene and his wife Norma moved to Greenfield in 1954 and farmed together until their retirement in November of 1994. Upon retirement they moved to Jerseyville and later moved to the Jerseyville Estates. Gene was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, American Legion and was a member of Holy Ghost Church. Gene enjoyed bowling on numerous leagues and played mens slow pitch softball until the age of 50. He was salesman for many years with several seed corn businesses, he truly enjoyed his farming friends and families.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Holy Ghost Church in Jerseyville with Fr. William Hembrow officiating. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. time of the mass on Wednesday at the church. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Tri-County Memorial Team. Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi is in charge of arrangements. Please call 618-384-9570 for any questions. Memorials are suggested to Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, IL. Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com