Edward "Ed" Joseph Murphy

Edward “Ed” Joseph Murphy, age 64, of Albia, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at his home. Ed was born on October 17, 1959, to Edward J. and Geraldine “Gerry” (Mitchell) Murphy in Albia, IA. Ed attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and later graduated from Albia Community High School in 1978. On January 24, 1994, Ed married Susan Bettis Gray and lovingly welcomed 3 children into his life: Michelle, Mike, and Monica. Ed started working at Hy-Vee in Albia while in high school, later transferring to Oskaloosa as a meat cutter. He established Murphy’s Drive-In restaurant in 1985 and served the community in this role until 1997. Ed then worked at Clow Valve Company in Oskaloosa quickly achieving a management position. He was looking forward to retirement soon. Ed loved to be outdoors and care for his home and yard. Outdoor activities with his grandchildren, such as building ramps in the snow for sledding, were always a favorite. He was a gentle soul with a huge heart. He was extremely generous and thoroughly enjoyed helping other people. He was an excellent cook who was known for his homemade tenderloins and Sunday dinners, not only for his family, but any friends who wished to join them. Sue was the love of his life and he adored her. Ed willingly took on the father role and loved Michelle, Mike, and Monica as his own. His grandchildren and great grandson were his true pride and joy. He proudly attended their events and was always there to take care of anything they needed. He was the “go-to man” in the family, and if anything went wrong, he was there to fix it. When home improvement projects were taking place, he was always there to assist. He had a great sense of humor and loved a good laugh. Ed is survived by his wife, Susan Murphy; his children, Michelle (Doug) Weldon, Mike (Carrie) Gray, and Monica (Richard) Tharp; 4 grandchildren, Sydney (Zakk), Hunter (Ivy), Garrett (Nicole), and Cooper; 1 great grandson, Taysom; a sister, Susan (Alan) Ammons; and a brother-in-law, Doug Alexander. Ed is also survived by several special nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. Murphy and Gerry Murphy; and his sisters, Gerry Jo Murphy and Judy Alexander. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Ed’s family present throughout the day and evening to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Pastor Roger Henry officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia. Memorials have been established to the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia and Mary Sauter’s Pay it Forward program.

Edward "Ed" Joseph Murphy

October 17, 1959 - December 10, 2023