Robert Eugene Murphy, 90, died June 22, at Stafford County Hospital, Stafford, Kans.
Robert was the ninth child born to Rufus and Gertie Mae Riley April 26, 1933 in Geneseo Kans. After the death of his mother in 1940, he was adopted May 17, 1941, in Ulysses by James Lester and Mary Alice Murphy, as their only child.
Robert grew up on the family farm and attended the Shockey Country School and Ulysses High School.
He married Janet Ann Farthing July 17, 1955, daughter of Harold and Mildred Farthing, Ulysses. They made their first home in a small trailer on the family farmstead northwest of Ulysses.
As Janet finished high school, Robert served in the U.S. Navy on a minesweeper, bound for Japan, from 1955-1957.
Robert earned his pilot’s license in the early 1950s, that led to a lifelong career in aviation. Robert worked at Farthing Spray Service, Ansel Manufacturing and Dowell until the opportunity to become a spray pilot introduced him to a 30-year career and business as Murphy Aviation Inc. He retired in 1997.
Robert and Janet enjoyed building go-karts and jalopies in the early 1950s to race on a track located north of the current Grant County Fairgrounds. Touring Colorado mountain trails on motorcycles, ATV’s and jeeps were a family favorite activity in addition to riding with the Gold Wing Touring Association group out of Garden City and Dodge City.
Model railroading became a hobby later in life, where creating landscapes for his train collection marveled those who visited the “train room” at the hangar in Ulysses. Camping, fishing, and hunting activities were also included as time allowed.
Robert was in 4-H as a child and served with his wife as leaders of the Bearcreek Boosters 4-H club. He was a member of the Grant County Fire Department, serving as chief for a short time. Robert served as President of the Kansas Agricultural Aviation Association and as a member of the executive board of the National Agricultural Aviation Association. He was also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Harley Owner's Group.
He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years; two daughters: Tamra Sue (Steve) Brensing, Stafford, and Linda Gail (Ron) Neher, Burlington, Kans.; four grandchildren: Cody (Amy) Heckman, Burlingame, Kans.; Trudy (Robert) Moore, Lavaca, Ark.; Holly (Derrick) Ferguson, Stafford, and Brad (Emily) Brensing, Olathe, Kans.: nine great grandchildren: Jonathon Heckman, Matthew Heckman, Colby Heckman, Dakota Moore, Kaiyah Moore, Rylee Ferguson, Reagan Ferguson, Jack Robert Brensing, and Lucas Brensing; and two step great grandchildren: Haley Moore and Ryan Moore; sister-in-law: Marilyn Buchele (Ken) of Emporia and many other family members.
Robert was preceded in death by his natural and adoptive parents; siblings: Oletha, Wanita, Lucille, Lorraine, Fern, Raymon, Norman, and Dennis Riley and other family members.
A Celebration of Life was planned for 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, at Minnis Chapel, 125 N Main, Stafford, Kans., followed by a visitation.
Graveside services were at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 28, at the Ulysses Cemetery, Ulysses.
Memorials may be sent to the Stafford County Health Foundation c/o Minnis Chapel, Stafford, KS.
