Joe Ben Murphy
Joe Ben Murphy passed away on September 12, 2024.
He was born on December 23, 1940 in Durant, Oklahoma. Joe was the salutatorian of his graduating class from Blue High School in Blue, Oklahoma, and received his bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma. He worked for Kraft Foods Distribution in Garland, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia before moving to Wichita Falls, Texas in 1973, where he served as a Professional Medical Representative for Abbott Laboratories Pharmaceutical Division for twenty-seven years. Joe concluded his career with a short contract with Ventiv Health before retiring. Joe treasured his many friendships with the doctors, nurses, sales colleagues, and health care professionals he served.
Joe, the boy from Blue, went to the big city of Durant to meet the love of his life Carolyn Ann Pyrum at Fairview Baptist Church, where he saw her singing in the choir and waited by a tree to ask her out on their first date attending a Southeastern Oklahoma State University basketball game on leap year 1964, and then enjoying ice cream from Ashburn’s. After their first date, Carolyn and Joe began a nearly 57-year love affair, marrying on August 29, 1964. The two love birds no doubt celebrated their reunion in Heaven, where we suspect this time Carolyn was waiting for Joe under a tree once he entered the pearly gates.
Joe was a devoted husband and father and a devout good and faithful Christian servant, who most enjoyed spending time tending his garden and yard, cooking and grilling, and spending time with his beloved wife and daughters (his “girls”) and family and friends. He loved good food and conversation, and jokes around the table. Joe was an avid Oklahoma Sooner and Dallas Cowboys fan who will no doubt enjoy his upgraded club seats in Heaven for this year’s football games.
Joe is preceded in death by his beloved wife Carolyn Murphy, his parents Iver and Stella Murphy; father-and mother-in-law William J. and Blanche Pyrum; his brother-in-law William Eugene Pyrum; and his brother-in-law Robert E. Engles, Sr.
Joe is survived by his daughter Debbie Murphy-Dana and son-in-law Farid Dana of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter Jennifer Murphy of Wichita Falls, Texas; brother Larry Murphy of Fort Worth, Texas; sister-in-law Janis Murphy of Fort Worth, Texas; sister-in-law Phyllis Engles of Durant, Oklahoma and Montgomery, Alabama; and multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Throughout his life, Joe leaned on the teachings of Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for the good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” A private family celebration of Joe’s life will be scheduled to occur in Durant, Oklahoma. We are truly blessed to have known and received his wisdom and unconditional love and support. He will be dearly missed.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com.