John Wayne Murphy

John Wayne Murphy, 71, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 surrounded by his family and friends. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and loyal friend to many people.

John was born in Isabella, Missouri, on October 16, 1943 to Joe and Anna (Blair) Murphy. He graduated from Gainesville High School in Gainesville, Missouri, in 1961, and moved to the Kansas City area soon after. John married his loving wife Jewell Marie (Bias) Murphy on February 2, 1964 in Raytown, Missouri. Together they settled in Independence and raised two sons; Ricky, born in 1968, and Shane in 1971.

After barbering in Buckner, Missouri, for four years, John went to work for Ford Motor Company’s Claycomo plant in 1967. He worked there for 39 years before retiring in 2006. In his time at Ford, he left his footprint in various positions and made a multitude of friends. John supported his sons as a Boy Scout leader in Troop 192 and as a Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. From 1974 to 1983, John coached little league football at Pop Warner and basketball at the Independence Parks and Recreation, where his teams won several city championships. He was also a member of the Spring Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Independence.

John loved to spend time with his family more than anything. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to go hunting with his grandchildren. He was also a master wood-carver and craftsman. Aside from his genuine and cheerful personality, John offered anything to anyone who needed it; whether it be advice, a tool, or even a haircut. He will be remembered for his friendliness, generosity, and one-of-a-kind sense of humor.

John is survived by his wife Jewell of fifty years; brother Arthur of Independence, twin brother Dwain and his wife Sue of Mountain Grove, Missouri, half brother Joe Walker; two sons: Ricky Wayne Murphy and his wife Teddi; Shane Alan Murphy, and his wife Michelle; and five grandchildren: Cameron, Mason, Ty, Tucker, and Skyler Murphy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and their spouses; and several great-nieces and nephews.
John is preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Sharon Murphy, and step-mother Juanita.

Visitation will be held at 6:00 pm on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at Fort Osage Church of the Nazarene, 19333 East 24 Highway, Independence, MO 64056. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, November 24, 2014 at Fort Osage Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Carl DeFreece officiating. Burial and graveside service will follow at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens in Independence. The Murphy family wishes to thank their many friends for their support in this time of grievance.