Dero Murphy's Obituary
Dero C. Murphy
January 5, 1925 - June 23, 2014
SFC Dero Cassy Murphy (Ret.) passed away peacefully at home in Lakewood, Washington to
join his wife in Heaven on Monday, June 23, 2014. Dad was born on January 5, 1925 in Colfax,
Louisiana to James and Roxanna (Douglass) Murphy. They and those who preceded him in death
were; his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Lola Mae Murphy; his oldest daughter Annie Lois
Murphy-Blackwell (James) and; his many siblings. He is survived by his children; William
Murphy (Carmen), Ron Murphy (Sylvia), Ivy Murphy, Donna Murphy Crawford (Willie),
Michael Murphy (Debi) and Dorothea Murphy. Dad loved his wife and children very much. He
was also absolutely proud of his eleven grandchildren (Michael, Deitra, Ronald, Jr., Willie III,
Jason, Jessica, Yami, Kellan, Ariana, James and Quinn) and fourteen great-grandchildren. He is
also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, god-children and friends.
Our Dad, and others like him, put everything on the line to protect this country. His level of
bravery, sacrifice, courage, dignity, pride and commitment taught us through actions and words,
to stand up, stay strong and above all enjoy life. He proudly served his country in the 82nd
Airborne Division and achieved the level of Jumpmaster at the age of 24. In addition, he served
in a tank division and had a number of other important military assignments during his career.
He was in fact bigger than life! His booming voice, joking nature, mastery in the kitchen (as well
as the domino table), keen observations and his subtleness in comments made us think and often
made us laugh, which intentionally or otherwise taught us to not take everything too seriously.
We will miss him dearly.
Dad and mom literally knew one another all of their lives. As a young man, dad joined the Army fighting in World War II and the Korean War. He traveled to many parts of the world as a soldier, including being stationed along with his family in Germany. He always commented on how were it not for the Army, he probably would not have been given the many opportunities to see the world and meet so many interesting people. Eventually dad, mom and family where stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington where they made the Pacific Northwest their permanent home. Dad loved the Northwest, its environment, the opportunity to “be himself” and to have friendships with people from diverse backgrounds. Dad and mom never forgot their roots and talked about how they wanted to visit Colfax one more time before they passed away. Despite not having done so, dad and mom maintained contact with family in Louisiana and other parts of the country.
Dad was a person who you did not have to analyze or figure out. Even if you didn’t ask he would tell you what was on his mind. He had a lot of interests including music, western movies and talking with his family. Although he was not a chief in the military, he was originally trained to be one when he first entered the Army. No wonder his cooking was considered by family and friends to be an enjoyable event. His favorite dish to cook was Gumbo, which many had the opportunity to experience. He labored over each and every meal as if he were cooking for special guests. Most people didn’t know that dad was a giver. As his children, we saw how he and mom opened their home, wallets, and lives to help others. They did it quietly and without desire to be recognized. Although dad didn’t always attend church, he was a believer in Jesus Christ and understood his responsibility was to work out his great salvation. In the end he was ready to join mom and be with The Lord.
Celebrating the Life of SFC Dero C. Murphy will occur at Mountain View Memorial Park 4100
Steilacoom Blvd SW Lakewood, Washington. Viewing to occur Wednesday, July 2 between 6
pm and 8 pm. Service will begin at 1pm, Thursday July 3, 2014 in the Mountain View Valley Chapel and Burial Service will occur at2:30 pm. Following the Burial Service there will be a Repass.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. Remembrances may be shared at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
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