"Bob was a fine man and fun to be associated with in Quincy Community Concert Band. I enjoyed being his stand partner for several years."
In loving memory of
Dr. Robert Murphy
March 2, 2016
Dr. Robert Curtis Murphy, age 96, of 415 Kentucky Rd. East, Quincy, died Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at 11:00 pm in St. Vincent's Home.
Robert was born June 19, 1919 in Rupert, Idaho, the son of John and Caroline Tullus Murphy. On September 27, 1947 he married Shirley Ward in St. Mary's Church in Detroit, Michigan. They celebrated their 67th anniversary together. She survives.
Robert graduated as Salutatorian of Rupert High School in 1937. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 1940 and from Northwestern University Medical School in 1943. Robert was a member of Beta Theta Pi, Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Kappa Kappa, and Sigma Xi. He interned at Detroit Receiving Hospital. He then entered the United States Army Medical Corps, where he served for two years before being honorably discharged as a Captain. Robert then returned to Detroit and joined the Physiology Department of Wayne University College of Medicine, where he received a Master in Science in Physiology. He then served a residency in Internal Medicine at Detroit Receiving Hospital. The following year, he was an instructor at the medical school with the Department of Internal Medicine and Physiology.
In 1951 Robert and his wife moved to Quincy, and he joined the Quincy Clinic. He was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, the American Diabetes Association, and the Adams County Medical Society, where he had served as Treasurer and President. He was on the staff of St. Mary Hospital and the staff of Blessing Hospital. He had been past Chief of Staff at both hospitals. Robert was also a member of the Family Services Agency and a member of the Adams County Board of Health. In 1974, Robert retook the exam offered by the American College of Physicians, and he was the first internist in Quincy to be recertified by this organization. Robert loved practicing medicine, and he was fond of all his patients. He retired from the Quincy Clinic in 1989.
After retirement, Robert served on the Foundation Board of St. Mary Hospital. He was also a member of Golden "K" Kiwanis, The Knights of Columbus, where he attained the Fourth Degree, and Transitions of Western Illinois, where he served a term as Chairman of the Board, and he was honored with an emeritus membership. Robert also served on the advisory board of John Wood Community College.
Robert played the clarinet, and he joined both the Quincy Park Band and the Community Band. He also enjoyed playing bridge with several groups, and he was a member of Quincy Country Club. Robert also liked golfing with the Medicare Four. He and his wife joined the Q.C. Squares and RSVP, where they did several volunteer jobs together. He was an active member of Polis. Robert and Shirley loved to travel, and they took several cruises and toured many foreign lands. They especially enjoyed taking their whole family on annual trips.
He was a member of the Church of St. Peter where he was a Eucharistic minister for several years.
Robert's family would like to thank the staff at St. Vincent's Home for all their wonderful care.
In addition to his wife, survivors include four children: Carol Veneziano of Cape Girardeau, MO; Robert Murphy, Jr. of Tampa, FL; Brian (Shayna) Murphy of Dallas, TX; and Kathleen Murphy of San Francisco, CA; two grandchildren: Christina (Matthew) Shekell of St. Louis, MO; and Paul (Brittany) Veneziano of Nevada, MO; two great-grandchildren: Matthew Jr. and Elena Shekell; and two nephews: Jon Murphy of St. Paul, MN and Dennis (Mary) Murphy of ID.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Murphy; his sister-in-law, Virginia Murphy; and his nephew, William Murphy.
Services: 11:00 a.m. Mass on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Church of St. Peter with Monsignor Leo Enlow officiating.
Burial: private burial at Calvary Cemetery
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Church of St. Peter.
Memorials: Church of St. Peter, the Murphy Scholarship at John Wood Community College, the Murphy Scholarship at Quincy University, or the Murphy Scholarship at Blessing Rieman College of Nursing.
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Whenever one thinks a single individual that epitomizes greatest in every way, Bob Murphy comes to mind. He was a selfless physician, a loving husband and father, a genuinely kind and caring person, a faithful soul, and had a nice sense of humor and ready smile to boot! He will be missed."
"So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a special man, physician and friend. We will miss him very much. We are sad that we can't be with you but you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Mike & Barb Hutmacher"
"Shirley and Family - I am sorry for your loss - I will miss you guys at St. Vincent's - I wish you peace"
"To all the Murphy family. What an honor to know you all. I have many memories which I can say I have learned from. When Dr Murphy came to a meeting THEY LISTENED. He never took time away from his patients which YOU the family always seemed to support even though I know it had to be difficult. I know this is a very difficult time but please know you have so many around you that care. My thoughts are with you all."
"Dr. Murphy was a special man. He will be missed. He was loved by many mNy people. Heaven has gained a precious angel."
"What a beautiful soul. I had the pleasure of working for Dr. Murphy. My sympathy to family and friends. His "Halo", is extra shiny for sure. I admired his humility and his kindness to everyone."
"We join the many people who honor the significant career of Dr. Murphy. His friendly and caring demeanor brought comfort and confidence to his patients. Best wishes and God's Blessings to his family."
"Dr. Murphy was a Special Dr. he took time with his patients, all of his patients loved him for that. He will be sadly missed by those he loved and loved him and God has blessed him with a good life. Rest in peace Dr. Murphy."