Obituary: Richard E. Murphy, 1930-2021

For The Madera Tribune

Richard E. Murphy.

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Richard E. Murphy, 95, passed away on June 27, 2021, at his home in Madera. Born in Biola on Jan. 20, 1930, he was a lifetime resident of Madera County. A 1944 MUHS graduate, Richard was a decathlon winner and played trumpet in the High Notes dance band. He also was an important member of the Young Farmers of America.

Highly skilled in many areas, Richard became a lifelong farmer in the Dixieland district, growing cotton and vineyards. Being an expert draftsman, Journeyman welder/fabricator, homebuilder, farm equipment and auto body repairman, custom worker, etc., Richard was admired by his fellow surrounding farmers and was often sought after for his help and advice. “If there’s one person who can do it, it’s Dick Murphy” was often heard. His favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, model airplane building/flying and rockhounding/lapidary.

Richard is survived by Dolores, his wife of 73 years, daughter Kathleen and son James. Dad will be missed and greatly remembered for his kind, sweet, quiet, generous demeanor and his joyful, infectious Laugh when watching Andy Griffith, Leave it to Beaver and Big Time Wrestling.