Robert L. McMurphy

Memorial services for Robert McMurphy will be at a later date. He will be at Marshall Funeral Home for viewing on Friday and Saturday, February 16 and 17 from 8-6 p.m. and Sunday, February 18 from 1-6 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home. Robert L. McMurphy passed away on February 12, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born December 6, 1932, at Alva, OK to Denver Harmon and Mary Louise (Shreeve) McMurphy. He was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Farry High School with the class of 1952 where he played baseball and basketball. As a young man, he served in the Korean Conflict, serving 2 years as a Military Policeman in Germany.. After he returned home from the Korean Conflict, he attended a branch of Oklahoma State University at Okmulgee where he graduated with a degree in Diesel Engineering. He was one of the top Detroit Diesel Distributor Mechanics in the nation. In March, 1955, he married Rita Mae Cox, a special person. During their life together, they lived in several states where his job took him; Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Montana and California. To their marriage three children were born; Robert Allen, Leslie Denn, and Jerry Steven McMurphy. On July 5, 2019, Robert Allen lost his life to cancer. He always said he was moving across the country so his family would see more of the United States. He worked for a Detroit Diesel Distributor or branch for thirty-six years. From 1965 to 1970, he taught Diesel at Denver Automotive Institute. In 1994, he retired and he and Rita Mae moved back to Alva to take care of her mother at her request. His devotion to his wife and family was a testimony of his love for them. After that he started driving cars for Mark Ream Motors for 14 years. He was a average motorcycle rider and enjoyed traveling across the country. He especially enjoyed going from California to Durango, Colorado where he and his son, Allen, his brother, Bill, Paul Schiffner, Byron Allen, Dr. Lowell Demaree toured the mountains of Colorado. In 2006, his wife of 51 years went to be with the Lord. After Rita’s death he continued to care for his mother-in-law for several years until she moved to Enid, Oklahoma. In July of 2009, he married Devona Dee (Arndt) Robison. He was a lucky person. He had two special wives in his life. They lived their married life in Alva. He was preceded in death by his parents, Denver and Mary, and wives, Rita and Devona; his son, Robert Allen; his brother, Bill McMurphy; and a step grandson, Shaun Cover. He is survived by his sons, Leslie and Sandy McMurphy of Roseville, MI, and Steve and Sandra McMurphy of Santee, CA; his daughter-in-law, Karen McMurphy of Yuma, AZ; his sister Thelma and Allen J Crouch, his sister-in-law, Elma McMurphy, all of Alva, 10 grandchildren; Bob and Rachelle McMurphy of George, UT, Aaron McMurphy of Roseville, MI, Korey and Jeweli McMurphy of San Diego, CA, Sarah and David Lautenschlager of Gilbert, AZ, Andrew and Jessica McMurphy of San Diego, CA, Laura and Justin Minenna of San Diego, CA, Lacie and Chris Nicolaysen of Stafford, VA, Cassie McMurphy of Lakeside, CA, Jaime McMurphy of Baraga, MI, 22 great-grandchildren, Allison, Alexis, Anthony, Austin, Jacob, Londen, Breeana, Aubree, Adelyn, Jake, Olivia, Mally, Kyla, Denver, Alexa, Annalyn, Kayli, Mason, Jackson, Mattix, Eden, and Kaden; nieces, nephews, many cousins, other relatives and many friends. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the Woods County Senior Citizens Center.

Robert L. McMurphy

December 6, 1932 - February 12, 2024