MURPHY, Thomas Fred "Tom" - b. July 6, 1943 - d. August 12, 2023

[patyrn]

Thomas Fred "Tom" Murphy, age 80, of Moline, Kansas, passed away August 12, 2023 at his home.  He was born July 6, 1943 in Lawrence, Kansas to Tom S. and Elfreda E. (Papenhausen) Raybourn.

When Tom was three years old, his parents divorced, and he moved with his mother to Ajo, Arizona where his mother would meet Thomas Patrick Murphy.  Thomas became stepdad but raised Tom as if he were his own.  Tom became a big brother in January 1951 when his brother, Patrick, was born.

Tom graduated from Ajo High School in 1961.  Later that summer, he enlisted in the United States Navy.  He was proud to serve his country from 1961 to 1965.  He had hoped to "Join the Navy and See the World", but he never once got on a ship.  He was stationed at the Point Mugo Navy Missile Base for his entire enlistment.  After his military service, Tom moved to Tucson, Arizona and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry at the University of Arizona.  He wanted to continue to veterinary school, but it just wasn't in the cards.  He remained active in the USN Reserves until 1975 where he was trained as a Helicoper Rescue Specialist/Frogman.

In 1973 while living in Pima, Arizona, Tom went to work for UPS and drove a feeder truck for them until he retired in 2002.  While on his route, he struck up a friendship with Joan Helms, and after a few years of friendship, they were married on June 30, 1979.  During their marriage, they lived in Mesa, Arizona and Flagstaff, Arizona.  Once they both retired, they traveled for four years, driving to places as far north as Manitoba, Canada and as far south as Acapulco, Mexico.  They decided to find a home close to family, and in 2007, they moved to Moline, Kansas.  They contineud traveling and loved to go on cruises.

Tom was never someone to enjoy much "down time".  After moving to Moline, he drove a school bus for the West Elk Schools.  He thoroughtly enjoyed meeting all the kids and talking with them.  When he wasn't working, he liked being outdoors.  Whether he was hiking or just taking long walks, he loved enjoying nature.  He also liked listening to books on tape or watching a good western.  He loved to joke and laugh and was an animal lover, especially of cats. 

Tom is survived by his wife, Joan of the home; two adopted daughters, Amy (Chris) Shaw of Coffeyville, Kansas and Rhonda "Skeeter" (Tim) Cloyd of Seneca, Missour; four grandchildren, Cindy Cloyd of Seneca, Missouri, Travis Cloyd of Tempe, Arizona, Quentin (Shyanne) Bryant of Norfolk, Virginia, and Lauryn (Caleb) Tallman of Christiansburg, Virginia; and two great-grandddaughters, Annalee and Sunni.  He was preceded in death by his parents, stepdad, and brother.

A memorial service to honor Tom will be held at 2:00 p.m.  on Saturday,  September 16, 2023 at the Moline Christian Church in Moline, Kansas.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Harry Hynes Hospice and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.  Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349 has been entrusted with arrangements.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)