Dean Murphy Obituary

Dean Murphy passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, at the age of 94. A loving husband, father, and friend, Dean will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady presence, and the stories he loved to tell.

Born on January 10, 1931, in Lawrence, Kansas, Dean began school at the age of 4 so that his older brother, Les, would not be the only student in kindergarten. He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1947 at just 16 years old

He went on to attend the University of Kansas and was on campus during the time of Wilt Chamberlain. In 1951, Dean joined the United States Air Force and served for three years, stationed at Larson Air Force Base near Moses Lake, Washington; one of those years he served in Korea during the Korean War.

On October 24, 1953, Dean married June Harding in Texarkana, Texas. The couple was stationed in Lubbock, Texas, and eventually settled in Wichita, KS where they raised their family.

Professionally, Dean's journey took him from a role at Farmers Alliance Insurance in 1958, to Ohio Casualty, and eventually to co-owning an auto body shop business with a friend.

Dean had many hobbies-he loved fishing, pitching horseshoes, bowling (he once bowled a perfect game), and playing golf, where he had several hole-in-ones. He also enjoyed baseball, softball, genealogy, and, in a twist of irony, collecting the obituaries of people he knew.

Faith and community were important to Dean. He was a devout Christian and a member of Harvest Community Church. He delivered Meals on Wheels and quietly gave back in the ways he could.

He and June were married for many years and shared life's ups and downs-including a tornado that destroyed their home in 1999. But what mattered most to Dean was his family. He deeply loved his four children and was proud of them all.

Dean didn't speak often, but when he did, it mattered, and people listened. He had a way of telling stories full of detail and humor-he remembered names, places, and moments others had long forgotten. His stories often brought a laugh and left a lasting impression.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Clinton Cemetery, 1203 E 500 RD, Clinton, Kansas.

Preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne "June" (Harding) Murphy; parents, Harry and Nina (Anderson) Murphy; siblings, Les Murphy, Ruth Buller, Shirley Wagner, and Henry Murphy.

Survived by children, Michael Murphy of Kansas City, MO, Patrick (Vickie) Murphy of Overland Park, KS, Kathleen Burbach (Jeff Burbach) of Derby, KS, and Deana (Tracey) Stroer of Wichita, KS; siblings, Verna Stanwix, Dale Murphy both of Lawrence, KS, Georgia Oehrle of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren, Kimberly (Jeff) Sykes, Jaime (Shaun) Zufelt, Jessica (Larry) Brown, Dustin (Christina) Murphy, Megan (Kyle) Pruitt, Holly (Nolan) Mackey, and Kira Kain; great-grandchildren, Levi, Freddy, Scott, Addison, Aysha, and Korben.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials: Good Samaritan Program c/o Wichita Presbyterian Manor, 4700 W. 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67212