C. Dale Murphy of Bourbon, Missouri passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the age of 89 years, 11 months and 23 days.
C. Dale and his twin brother Clifton Neal were born on July 9, 1926 on the Murphy homestead to Clifton and Betty (Page) Murphy. A brother Dean welcomed the twins and completed the Murphy family.
World War II began and brother Dean joined the Marines. In 1944 the twins joined the Navy at the age of 17. C. Dale served in the Pacific Theater. Both were honorably discharged but their brother Dean was fatally wounded in Iwo Jima and did not return.
On August 11, 1951 C. Dale married the love of his life Emma C. Cartwright and to his union a daughter, Debra Dale and son, Douglas Dean were born.
In 1954 C. Dale began a long and successful career with the United States Postal Service. His career took the family from Bourbon to Joplin, Springfield and St. Louis retiring in 1983 to the Murphy Homestead. He participated in the founding of Peoples Bank of Bourbon and later enjoyed auctioneering, beekeeping and working to make the homestead better than when he received it. C. Dale was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bourbon since 1946, Lifetime Booster supporter and participated in many community projects. He was also a member of American Legion Post # 81 for 70 years. C. Dale loved his God, Family and Country.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Emma (Cartwright) Murphy of Bourbon, Missouri, a son; Douglas Murphy and wife Kelly of Bourbon, Missouri, one daughter; Debra Young and husband Larry of Springfield, Missouri, three grandchildren; Lauryn Kelly and husband Noah, Christopher and Chad Murphy, his twin brother, Dr. Clifton Murphy and wife, Billie of Columbia, Missouri, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
A Memorial service was conducted at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016 at First Baptist Church Bourbon, Missouri with Full Military Honors to follow.
Memorials to First Baptist Church of Bourbon or the American Legion Post 81 are appreciated. All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri.