Joseph 'Joe' E. Murphy Obituary (1939

Joseph Joe Eugene Murphy, 78, of Eldon, IA passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at his home with his loving wife, Debb, by his side. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon, IA with Pastor Mark Clark officiating. As were Joes wishes, his body will be cremated following the service with burial to be held at a later date. Military honors will be provided by the Ottumwa Legion Post #3 and Ottumwa VFW Post #775. Visitation will be held at the Living Hope Bible Church on Thursday, February 22, 2018 beginning at 3:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Joes honor may be directed to the family to be determined at a later date. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Joseph E Murphy entered this life on September 28, 1939 in Ottumwa, IA to Joseph and Berdeana Rockett Murphy. He grew up in Ottumwa and attended three different country schools before graduating from Ottumwa High School with the class of 1958. Shortly after graduation Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country until his Honorable Discharge in June of 1961. Joe returned to Ottumwa where he married Rosalie Padavich. The two began their family, and Joe became the loving father to Joseph, James, and Suzzanne. Joe was always a hard worker. He worked several jobs before beginning his career with Winger Mechanical in Ottumwa. He loved his job and was good at it. He passed on his knowledge, helping many young apprentices begin their careers as well. Later in life he met and fell in love with Debra Jeffrey Reyes. The two began their journey together as husband and wife in 1989 at the Living Hope Bible Church. With this union, Joes family grew. Justan, Achlie, and Valarie entered his life and he raised them as his own. Joe knew the value of hard work and instilled that in his children. Joe wasnt afraid to tackle any project and always had the knowledge and skill to complete it. Joe was a member of the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union # 33 and the United Association (UA). Outside of work he was a gardener, wonderful cook and avid fisherman. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee while listening to the birds or visiting with a friend. Joe was a lifelong resident of Wapello County. He was proud of his faith, his family, and his country. He impacted many lives throughout his time here and his smile and big heart will not be forgotten. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Richard Murphy. Left to share his story is his loving wife, Debb Murphy of Eldon, IA; three sons, Joseph (Julie) Murphy of Keota, IA, James Murphy of Fremont, IA, and Justan (Jennifer) Cremer of Eldon, IA; three daughters, Suzzanne Padavich of Centerville, IA, Achlie (Shawn) Cremer of Bloomfield, IA, and Valarie Reyes of Ottumwa, IA; fifteen grandchildren, one great grandchild; four siblings, James Murphy, William (Judith) Murphy, Steven (Sandra) Murphy, and Linda (Jim) Kanak of Eldon