Maurice E. Murphy
June 7, 1916 – March 22, 2014
Maurice E. Murphy (97) passed peacefully in his sleep on March 22, 2014. Maurice lived his entire life in Oklahoma with the exception of his years in the U.S. Army, 189th Infantry, 45th Thunderbird Division, 1941-1945. He participated in the
European theatre of World War II initially in northern Africa, Sicily, and Anzio, Italy, the German front, including the liberation of Dachau, the taking of Munich, celebrating the end of the war in Paris, France. He was a part of the greatest generation and had an amazing talent of turning any conversation into a WWII story. He met Ellen Sperling at Blackwood Davis Business College just prior to enlisting. They married shortly after his return from the war in October, 1945. They made their home in Oklahoma City, with a brief period in Enid, OK. They were married 62 years. Maurice was born in Moore, OK to Sydney and Fannie Murphy, the 7th of nine children. He was proceeded in death by his parents, all his siblings, and his beloved wife, Ellen Murphy in 2008. He is survived by three children, Randy Murphy of the home, Jill Phillips (Jerry) of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and Laurie Price (Rod) of Edmond, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Brandon Durrett (Susan), Tyler and Courtney Price, and three great grandchildren, Charles, Laura, and Betsy Durrett. Maurice’s career was in insurance, home building, and real estate in Enid and Oklahoma City. He always enjoyed horses, collecting and refinishing antiques, and fishing any Oklahoma pond. Graveside services and burial are planned for Tuesday, March 25 at 3:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Donations of memorial can be made to the 45th Infantry Division Museum, 2145 NE 36 Street, OKC 73111.
