James Francis 'Frank Murphy' Murphy

Obituary for James Francis "Frank" Murphy And you, most kind and gentle death, Waiting to hush our final breath, You lead to heaven this child of God, Where Christ our Lord the way has trod. St. Francis of Assisi Frank Murphy, 102, left to walk with the Lord on February 12, 2012 from his most recent home in Rogers, AR, having lived for 72 years, until 2010, in Oklahoma City, OK. Born on August 10, 1909, in Kansas City, MO, the son of Denis and Minnie (Ryan) Murphy, he grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1927. He attended Rockhurst College for two years, then the University of Illinois, and ultimately insurance school in Hartford, CT. Frank married Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Burdick on September 3, 1938, in Kansas City. They made their home in Oklahoma City where they raised their five children and Frank pursued his career in the insurance business as an independent agent, retiring at age 82. He served in the U.S. Navy ("dry land" as he called his service) near the end of WWII and was a loyal and active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church throughout most of his life in Oklahoma City. He is survived by all of his children and their children: Patsy and husband John Vosburgh of Tulsa, OK; Denny Allard Higgins of Rogers, AR; Kathie and husband Phil Trojanowski of Scottsdale, AZ; Alice Murphy Williams of Seattle, WA; Kevin and wife Patti Murphy of Southlake, TX; his 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Jo McManus of Springfield, MA, and in-laws, Francis Lohkamp of Wichita, KS, as well as Don and JoAnn Burdick of Lake Travis, TX. Frank is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lizzie, brothers Joe, John, and Gene Murphy, sister Dorothy Goudy, and almost everyone else he knew over the years. Frank will be dearly missed for his love of people, his sharp mind, his acute sense of justice, the stories of his youthful athletic exploits and hitchhiking adventures, his appreciation for a spirited argument, and his vast knowledge of sports that most everyone else has forgotten. In his later years, his granddaughter, Mattie, dubbed him the "Irish Setter" for his habit of sitting in his living room in his favorite chair where he visited, "figured," and dreamed. According to Frank's wishes, final celebrations of his life will be held in Oklahoma City. Visitation will be 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 19, 2012 with a rosary to be recited at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1901 NW 18th Street, Okalahoma City, OK 73106. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 20, 2012, also at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church located, east of Pennsylvania Avenue, officiated by Rev. Charles Murphy. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 7801 NW Expressway, west of N Rockwell Avenue.