Kennard Murphy

Kennard Michael Murphy, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend died Sunday, February 13, 2022, at his home in St. Peters, Missouri. He was 76 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nelma Murphy; Son, Kennard M.(Lisa) Murphy II, Son, Kelly Mitchell (Marcia) Murphy; five beautiful grandchildren Granddaughter, Peyton Murphy, Granddaughter, Reagan Murphy, Granddaughter, Jillian Murphy; Granddaughter, Haley Murphy, Grandson, Connor Murphy; Sister, Lola Murphy, Brother, Hugh M Murphy, Jr., Brother, Ronald Murphy, Brother, Jeff (Dama) Murphy, Brother, Kevin (Cyndy) Murphy and a host of other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Murphy and Montez Murphy.
A lifelong traveler and sportsman, Ken was born October 15, 1945, in Donalsonville, Georgia, to parents Hugh Mac Murphy and Virginia Montez Murphy (nee Shelfer). He grew up in the Florida panhandle towns of Monticello and Tallahassee. His earliest memories were of trips down the Wacissa River fishing and hunting with his dad and family. These experiences formed a lifelong love of the outdoors.

While in high school Ken met Nelma Murphy (nee Culpepper)-his angel in life and unwavering supporter through all of life's opportunities. They married in 1964. In the same year, he took a job with PPG Industries as a warehouseman in the Tallahassee, Florida branch. After forty years and then transfers to different cities across the Southeast, Southwest and Midwest he ended his PPG career as a District Manager in St. Louis, Missouri. His selfless service and commitment to people made positive impacts on the lives of all his colleagues and team members.

Ken was a committed father and took great joy in sharing his love of the outdoors and coaching his sons' sports. He instilled values and life lessons that prepared them for success in life and always found a way to connect with every member of a team to bring out their best.
Like his dad, Ken never met anyone he could not talk to, and he always had a story to tell. His grandchildren fondly remember his captivating tales about the Adventures of Marshmallow Magoo- self-created, spontaneous stories stretched out so he could keep them on his knee for as long as possible.
In addition to his children and grandchildren, Ken was the oldest brother to his siblings and loved them all deeply. He was a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of many churches during his journey around America. He was most recently a member of First Baptist Church of St. Peters and served as the Building and Grounds Committee lead for several years. He was always seeking fellowship, ways to help others and make things better.

After his long battle with Parkinson's Disease and multiple strokes, Ken died surrounded by his loving family at home-the place he always wanted to be. In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ken's honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
A memorial service will be hosted on October 15, 2022, at St. Peters Chapel, Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 837 Mid-Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, Missouri 63376. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 4:30 pm at St. Peters Chapel. A more informal "trip down the river" will be held at the head of the Wacissa River for family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all.