Norman LeRoy Murphy

Norman LeRoy Murphy was born under the blue skies and amidst the golden fields of the Great Plains in Dodge City, KS.  He was the firstborn of the fifth living generation of midwestern settlers and farmers centered in Stafford County, KS.   They were descended from strong English, Scottish, Irish and Norwegian stock.  At birth he had a set of great-great grandparents on both sides of his family.  A heritage of hearty pioneers that toiled on the land, attended church, and lived their lives marked by hard work and simplicity.  The day was February 25, 1944.

His parents, LeRoy and Patricia Murphy, a church of Christ preacher and his bride, raised him in Denver, CO and Wellington, KS.  In time, his beloved sisters, Carol, Marilyn and Jean, completed the family.   Norman’s childhood was idyllic growing up in small town America with a close family.  Faithfully in church.  Attending public schools.  Working at his grandparents’ farms in the summers.  He often spoke of those summers with Grandma Murphy and Uncle Daryl, his favorites.

Like many working class kids of his generation, he advanced himself through education.  He was a prolific reader and a lover of words and ideas.  Over time he earned degrees in Theology, History and Education at York College, Abilene Christian University, and the University of Texas Austin.  Amassing no less than five degrees, including two masters degrees and his PhD.

Undoubtedly, unreservedly, and absolutely, the most transformative event of his young adult life was his marriage to Betty Jayne Wheeler.  His faithful bride of 56 years.  Aside from some shorter adventures, they made their life together in Austin, where Matt and Micah joined them.  And later in Greenwood, SC, where Emily completed the Murphy clan.  They then spent most of their lives raising their kids, working, and living in Waco, TX.

Norman’s career was as varied and expansive as his reading habits.  He served as a preacher for the churches of Christ, a staff member at Crestview Church of Christ, an administrator and educator at McLennan Community College, a small business man, and a non-profit leader at Friends for Life.  Norman was less defined by his job than how he lived his life.  Love and fun with family.  Faithfulness to the church.  The joy of reading, ideas, and words.  Service to others. Visiting extended family in Kansas, Minnesota, and South Texas.  Enduring and persisting when times and situations were tough.

As his children grew older and married, they had children.   Which led to fun times and fun memories as Dad became Papa Bear.   Playing in the backyard on Ivy Ann.   Attending Baylor football games.   Supporting the grandkids at their youth sports.   Fun at the lake over the holidays.   Always along for the ride with whatever adventure Mammaw had planned with their grandchildren.

As he grew older, his body began to fail and falter.  First his joints and then his blood and bones.  Though his health was failing him, he was sustained and blessed to live his last three years, retired amongst the beauty of the piney woods on the north shore of Lake Livingston.  He was dutifully and lovingly served by Betty, family, and his other caretakers and doctors at home, River Pointe Skilled Nursing, and Huntsville Memorial Hospital.

He spent his last days cared for and loved at home by his family and Cassandra Washington, his long-time caretaker.  On February 2, 2023 he traded his tired and worn out body from this world, to receive a new one for the World to Come.

He is survived by his wife Betty Wheeler Murphy of Trinity, TX, and his children Matthew and Michelle Murphy of Boerne, TX, Micah and Camille Murphy of Greenville, TX and Emily (Murphy) and Brandon Hunt of Dallas, TX;  his nine grandchildren: Jonathan, Rachel, Mason, Emma, Mary, McKinley, Natalie, Zoey and Caleb; his sisters Carol Sikes, Marilyn Keller, and Jean Crowder and their spouses; and his lake family of Ray Wheeler, June Wheeler and Terry and Carl Weaver.  Additionally, he was loved and loved by many nephews, nieces, and cousins in his extended family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Patricia Murphy.

The family appreciates the love and friendship extended to Norman over the years by these honorary pallbearers:  Ron Martin, Jeff Ellis, Dr. Ken Willis, Dr. Gary Williams, Dr. Bill Petty, and Inez Russell.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Gardens, 8220 Woodway Dr, Woodway, TX 76712 at 10AM on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Visitation with the family will occur immediately after the memorial service.  In addition to flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Friends For Life at friendsforlife.org based in Waco, TX.

Registry for Norman Murphy