Willie Murphy

Willie Murphy of Union Gap died at home on Monday, February 6th after an extended illness he was 75 years old. He was born on December 17, 1941 in Wapato, WA. to Robert & Mildred Murphy. In his early childhood they moved to Ellensburg, WA where he attended a one room schoolhouse. When he was around 6 or 7 years old they built what is now called the Mellargaard Cabin, where they lived during the summer working the cattle. One of his jobs was to peel the bark off the logs. It is now an attraction at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds in Ellensburg. They later moved back to Wapato where he graduated from Wapato High School in 1961. He served in the Army, he was stationed in Texas and Alaska. After the Army he moved back to Yakima where he worked in heavy construction, drove a water truck for Boise Cascade and then worked for Quality Welding. He worked hard and played hard. He was an avid fisherman he was happiest being on his boat fishing and water skiing on various lakes and rivers. He later took up salt water fishing, crabbing and clam digging in the San Juan Islands which he thoroughly enjoyed. He also went on many camping trips with his kids and grandkids where they enjoyed riding 4-wheelers and being in the mountains. He also took an interest in restoring old cars. He had different farm animals around for the grandkids to play with such as goats, chickens and pigs. He was by far the best handyman around, if he couldn’t buy it he would make it or find a way to make it even better. Through it all he never lost his sense of humor, he could always make you laugh. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Willie is survived by his wife of 44 years Karen Murphy, son Scott (Colleen) Murphy, daughter Juli (Ken) Martin, three grandchildren: Nicole (Chris) Smidt, Jonathan (Karli) Murphy, Makenzi Martin and one great grand-daughter Lennex Smidt. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Sonny (Bob) Murphy. At Willies request there will be no service. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or Shriners Childrens Hospital. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Willie Murphy, please visit our flower store.