Bobby Ray Murphy

Bobby Ray (Bob) Murphy, 83, of Mankato, KS died Friday, October 20th, 2017 in Belleville, Kansas.

Bob was born on March 9, 1934 in a farmhouse near Mankato, Kansas.   He was the son of Charles and Helen (Diamond) Murphy, the second child born to this union.   Bob attended Mankato public schools graduating in May of 1952.   Bob joined the service, serving our country in the Navy in Asia.  Bob was an accomplished musician and played the trumpet in his school band, the national FFA band, and the Navy Band.

Upon completion of his service, Bob moved to Salina to further his education.   He graduated with Honors from the Brown-Mackie School of Business earning a degree in Business Administration.

Bob soon returned to Jewell County, where he worked for a number of years as assistant store manager at the Bogarts Grocery and Kiers Thriftway grocery.   Bob was a well-known and friendly face to Mankato residents.   During this time he also provided loving support to his mother, Helen Murphy, was a doting uncle to his nieces, and volunteered in the community.   Bob met Kathy Blake, the love of his life, on February 20, 1990.   He and Kathy enjoyed many happy years together.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Georgene Murphy Marietta and his brother-in-law Verle Marietta.

He is survived by his loving companion of more than two decades, Kathy Blake, his nieces - Kala Marietta and her husband Dave Coffin of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Karla Norsworthy and her husband Kevin of Raleigh, North Carolina.  He is also survived by his two great-nephews - Matt Coffin of Colorado Springs and Kyle Norsworthy of South Hill, Virginia. He also leaves behind Kathy’s son - Troy Blake and his wife Kerry of Beloit, Kansas; three cousins – Barbara Ann Snyder, Janice Goodman, and Richard Diamond.

A celebration of life will be held at the Methodist Church on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating. Mrs. Pat Grout was the organist and Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle sang “How Great Thou Art” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”  Casket bearers will be – James Berry, Dave Ortman, Fred Eilert, Rick Diamond, Phillip Menhusen, and Wade Alexander.  Honorary Casket Bearers will be – Richard Diamond, Bob Switzer, John Huntsinger, Dale Park and Kevin Phillips. Interment will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery, with honors given by the United States Navy Honor Guard, Southeast Region.   Visitation will be Friday, October 27, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:30 pm to 8:00 p.m., at the Melby Mortuary.   Donations are suggested to the Mankato Endowment Association for the USD 104, Rock Hills Band Program or the Cure Alzheimer’s fund.