JACK ARTHUR MURPHY

Jack Arthur Murphy, 92, of Nixa passed away Aug. 24, in Springfield. He was born in a covered wagon in Culbertson, Neb., to Stuart Robert Murphy and Laura Grace Page on March 14, 1931, the 11th child of a family of 13 children consisting of seven girls and six boys.
He lived in a covered wagon until the age of four when a flood on the Republican River in 1935 swept away everything but the horses, harnesses and clothing the family was wearing. He was drafted into the Army in 1951, serving in Korea. Murphy served in the Combat Engineers for 13 months, making the rank of Staff Sergeant where he earned three bronze stars, the Presidential Unit Citation “Korea” and numerous other citations. He was honorably discharged in September of 1953.
After arriving back in the states, he married Darlene Jarrett.
He owned a very successful, large restaurant named, “Murf’s” along with several other businesses through the years.
Jack was divorced and remarried to the love of his life, Yolanda Medrano, on Aug. 26, 1991. She had one child, Michelle Lynn, which he adopted.
He is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Murphy is survived by his sister, Wynona Murphy; his wife, Yolanda; sons, Rick (Terri) Murphy, Ralph (Shelley) Murphy and Rod (Shanna Worm) Murphy; daughters, Ronda (James Corcilius) Murphy and Michelle (Josh Gilbert) Murphy; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Murphy is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Elizabeth, Hazel, Grace, Edna, Laurabell and Marie; brothers, Ralph, Junior, Bill, Bob and Lee; along with his two infant daughters, Ranae and Rochelle.
Visitation and funeral services were held on Thursday, Aug. 31, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church in Springfield. Burial followed in the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery, in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory, Springfield.