"I deeply regret the passing of Kenneth E. Murphy, Jr. No matter when we lose a loved one they are gone too soon. Yet life is fragile. Like a snowflake it leaves. However, the sting of death not only pains but numbs survivors. What a blessing it will be when we can rightly ask: ?Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?? 1 Corinthians 15:55. All who mourn her will celebrate her life. ?Do not let your hearts be troubled?. (John 14:27) ?Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.? ?Anonymous "
In loving memory of
Kenneth E. Murphy
June 17, 1948 - September 9, 2011
Kenneth E. Murphy, Jr., 63, of Colfax, died Friday, September 9, 2011 at his home. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Colfax. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at Coburn Funeral Home of Colfax from 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Colfax Fire Department or Colfax Little League. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.
The son of Kenneth E. and Donna Jean (Templeton) Murphy Sr., Kenneth Eugene Murphy Jr. was born on June 17, 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa. Ken was a graduate of Ankeny High School, Class of 1967. Ken was united in marriage with Sandra Sue Wadsworth on February 16, 1974 at the First Baptist Church of Colfax. Ken spent time as a care giver for the mentally handicap and worked at McDonalds until he retired. Ken was an A.S.A. certified umpire and he coached men's and girl's softball. He coached both Babe Ruth and Little League. He had great joy watching his kids play sports and eventually watching his grandchildren. Ken enjoyed the Knoxville Raceway and going to Iowa Cubs games. He was a huge Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. Ken attended First Baptist Church of Colfax.
Those left to honor Kenneth's memory are his three children: Steven Ray Murphy (Ruthie Hefley) of Colfax; Shaun Michael Murphy of Des Moines and Sharon Kay Murphy of Des Moines; wife, Sandra Sue Murphy of Bondurant; four grandchildren: Mackenzie, Georgia, Trenton, and Brenton; sister, Vicki Ann (Neil Steven) Ridgway of California and two nephews: Stoney Ridgway and Joey Ridgway, both of California. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Sharon Kay Murphy.
Tributes
"Umpire"
"i have known kenny all my life. he was a very kind and loveing man. he loved teaching the young boy and girls play softball. he will be missed. my thoughts and prayers go out to the family"
"Kenny was a good man and good friend...his love for Ankeny, the town, school and athletics while he lived here was heartwarming. He was always kind to us younger guys, gave us rides when he could and clued us in to what was going on with the Ankeny Hawks that he was such a fan of along with his folks."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Murphy family. I worked with Ken at Mainstream Living for a number of years. At Christmas time I always think of Ken and the family party he would put together at 99th Street for the clients and follow staff members. He was a great man and will be missed by many."