Thomas R. Murphy, Sr., 78, of Centralia, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, with his family by his side.
Tom was born January 4, 1946, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Van Murphy and Lillie (Diamond) Murphy. He married Kathy (Moore) Murphy in November of 1969 and she preceded him in death in September of 2006. He later married Hanna (Nelson) Murphy on March 23, 2014, in Centralia and she survives him.
In addition to his wife Hanna of 9 years, he is also survived by a son: Thomas Murphy, Jr. and wife Stephanie of Simpsonville, SC; stepchild: Nicole Panek and significant other Matthew Gibson of Centralia; five grandchildren: Gavin Murphy of Simpsonville, SC, Taylor Middleton and husband Harley of Centralia, Alex Bauer of Mt. Vernon, Sophie Bauer of Mt. Vernon, and Jayden Bauer of Mt. Vernon; a great granddaughter: Clemintine Middleton two sisters: Debbie Sinclair of Walnut Hill, and Rhonda Mayer and husband Larry of Centralia; bonus family: Michele McNish of Odin and her extended family; also surviving is several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents: Van and Lillie Murphy; a daughter: Lisa Murphy; two sisters: Beverly Williams and infant sister Sandra Kay Murphy; and two brothers: Bill Murphy and Don Murphy.
Tom served in the U.S. Army from October 1965 to October 1968. He retired from Warren G. Murray Developmental Center after working for 10 years in October of 2008. He then worked for the Kaskaskia Workshop working for about 10 years after Murray Center. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 446 and the V.F.W. Post 2055 in Centralia. He was also a member of the Centralia Moose Lodge since 1983 serving as Fellowship Chairman, Moose Fellow of the Highest Degree, and Moose Rider. He was also a 3-year Trustee and treasurer of the Moose Lodge. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Funeral Services for Thomas Murphy, Sr. will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park with Military Honors at the Grave by the American Legion Post 446 and V.F.W Post 2055. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Funeral Home on Thursday, January 11, 2024. In memory of Tom, memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 446 in Centralia and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801, which is honored to be of service to the Murphy family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
