Joseph “Joe” August Murphy, 79, of Orange, Texas, climbed his last and highest mountain peak on June 27, 2024, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, TX. Surrounded by his loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Father Jim Sichko, Papal Missionary of Mercy for Pope Fancis, along with Father Sinclair Oubre, Father Tom Phelan, and Father David Edwards. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, with a Rosary and Vigil to follow at 6:30 p.m.
Born in Alton, Illinois, on January 8, 1945, he was the son of Joseph Austin Murphy and Irma Honerkamp Murphy who died when he was two years old. His father later married Ruby, who raised him. Joe attended Wabash College in Indiana and graduated from University of Illinois and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York with a Master’s Degree in Chemistry. He was then employed as an analytical chemist at Dupont Chemical company for 35 years. Joe loved his God, Church, and family, and possessed the heart of a servant. He was a founding member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Francis Church, an usher, treasurer, a faithful member and treasurer of the Knights of Columbus council 13825, and a leader of Fortnite For Religious Freedom and the Rosary Group. Joe was a man whose life was marked by warmth and generosity. His welcoming nature and friendly demeanor endeared him to all who crossed his path. Known for giving the most comforting hugs. Joe's kind spirit touched many lives. A servant at heart, Joe dedicated much of his time to helping others. His volunteer work at St. Francis Church and St. Mary's School showcased his commitment to serving his community. Whether lending a helping hand at church events or assisting with school repairs, Joe's selflessness was truly admirable. Joe loved nature and being outdoors. From biking, canoeing, backpacking through rugged terrain to hiking challenging trails and conquering mountain peaks including all 46 Adirondack Mountain high peaks in New York, the highest peak in all but 3 states, and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Joe found solace and joy in the great outdoors. As a member of the Sierra Club, he shared his passion for environmental conservation with like-minded individuals. Faith played a central role in Joe's life, evident in his love for his church and dedication to teaching Bible study classes. His unwavering belief in God guided him through life's trials and triumphs, shaping him into the compassionate person he was. Family held a special place in Joe's heart. He cherished moments spent with loved ones and took pride in nurturing these precious relationships. A skilled carpenter, Joe poured his creativity into crafting beautiful furniture for his home, demonstrating his skill and passion for woodworking. Not content with simply enriching his own life, Joe extended a helping hand to those in need by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Orange. His efforts in constructing homes for the underprivileged stand as a testament to his commitment to making a difference in the world. In quieter moments, Joe found joy in collecting stamps, playing bridge, dominoes, and challenging himself with Sudoku puzzles. These simple pleasures reflected his sharp mind and love for engaging activities. As we mourn the loss of Joseph August Murphy, let us also celebrate the remarkable life he lived—a life defined by kindness, service, adventure, faith, and love. May his memory live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ruby Murphy; his father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Helen Buran; and his brother-in-law, James Zimmer.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Marilyn Murphy; his sons, Michael Murphy and wife, Chrystie of Orange, and Matt Murphy and Donna Wilburn of Beaumont; his grandchildren, Blake Murphy, Ryan and Savannah Murphy, and Emily Dalfrey; his great-grandchildren, Hannah Murphy, Peyton Murphy, Maddox Murphy, Gwendolyn Murphy, and Vivian Murphy; his brother-in-law, Joseph Buran and wife, Lolli; his sisters-in-law, Helen Zimmer, and Judith Horak; his lifelong friends, Rita Cooke and Nina Schlueter; and numerous other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Doug Combs, David Fregia, Blake Murphy, Ryan Murphy, George Russell, Charles Trahan, Patrick Thibodeaux, and Frank Thomassee. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Batchelor, Larry Broussard, Lance Fall, Floyd McDuffee, Gilbert Mazzola, Al Rucka, Mel Swobobda, and his hiking/backpacking buddies: Roger Cacak, Dan Courtney, Ron Rehfuss, Gene Strait, and Jon Trahan.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Calvin Parker and the staff at Harbor Hospice for providing excellent care and compassion for Joe. The family would also like to thank the Prayer Warriors for their support and prayers.
In lieu of flowers and plants, please consider making a donation to St. Mary’s School or St. Francis of Assisi Church.