EDWARD C. MURPHY

VeteranEdward Murphy

Edward MurphyEdward C. Murphy, 92, of Lewistown died at 7:55 a.m. Sept. 9, 2013, at Prairieview Care Center in Lewistown.

He was born Aug. 18, 1921, in Aurora, a son of William and Clara Murphy. He married Martha Quallich in 1952.

Surviving are six children: Timothy Murphy (Diane Jackson) of Moline, June Behles of Des Plaines, Linda Murphy (John Vinzant) of Gary, Ind., Daniel Murphy (and Theresa) of Davenport, Iowa, Kathleen Murphy of Lewistown and Brian Murphy of Monterery; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three siblings, Daniel H. Murphy, Virginia Johnson and Evelyn Schaben.

A skillful welder, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on his 21st birthday. Stationed in the Pacific, he was among the brave men who took the Japanese stronghold, Iwo Jima. During his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation and honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal on Dec. 24, 1946.

Due to the G.I. Bill, he was able to attend college. In 1952, he was awarded a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from University of Illinois. He remained active in his profession through Veterinary Alumni Association of U of I.

By 1953, he and his wife settled in Lewistown and established a small/large animal veterinary practice, retiring in 1988.

He was a member of Optimist Club and board member of Lewistown School Board when the present Lewistown Grade School was built.

He attended St. Mary's Catholic Church.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lewistown with Monsignor Rejsek officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in rural Lewistown with a military service conducted by Lewistown VFW Post 5001 and Lewistown American Legion Bishop Post 1. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with a recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Fulton County Humane Society or to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lewistown.

Condolences may be sent to www.henrylange.com.

 

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 9/11/2013

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