David Richard “Dave” Murphy, 52, of 1422 S. Lincoln Road, passed away peacefully at home following a lengthy 3 year illness with cancer on April 16, 2009 surrounded by his loving family.
David was born July 13, 1956 in Trenton, MI the son of Junior Melt and Rovena (Rose) Murphy. Dave was raised in Riverview, MI and he attended Carlson High in Gibraltar, MI. At the age of 21 he accepted Christ as his personal savior when he was baptized in Flat Rock.
Dave worked at numerous locations during his working career and from 2003 until his illness in 2006 he worked as an Assistant Radiographer for Acuren Inspection in Escanaba.
Dave was a member of the Agape Ministries and the Rebel’s Motorcycle Club. His hobbies included riding motorcycles, hiking, playing pool and poker. Dave’s family was extremely important to him, he especially treasured time spent with his daughter, mother and granddaughter. He will be sadly missed.
In addition to his mother Rovena of Escanaba, survivors include:
Son; Kevin David Murphy of Monroe, MI
Daughters: Jennifer (Joe) Pease of Escanaba; Heidi Childers of Bark River; Melissa (Jason) Carr of Monroe
Step-daughters: Angie Ajami of Rockwood; Wendy (Keith) Bubar of Monroe
Brothers: Gary Murphy of Escanaba; Larry (Sharon) Murphy of Rapid River; Michael Murphy of Monroe; Greg Murphy of Brownstown
Sisters: Sonia (Pete) Warner of Menominee; Sharon (Randy) Staffeld of Westland, MI; Susie Murphy of Montpelier, OH
23 grandchildren: Tasha Childers, Jenna Pease, Ontario McDowell, Nile McDowell, Tavi Childers, Coney Hitchcock, Brandon Murphy, Ryan Murphy, Jessika Ellisen, Ethan Murphy, Cianna Carr, Jason Carr, Paris Carr, Chris Harris, Keith Bubar Jr., Krista Bubar, Trevon Hamilton, Brianna Bubar, Jeffrey Schaffer, James Schaffer, Tiffany Schaffer and Jason Schaffer.
2 great grandchildren: Chris Harris Jr. and Kirah Campbell
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
In addition to his father, Dave was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Chasity Childers in 1989, and his grandparents, Melt and Susie Murphy and William and Minnie Rose.
Dave’s family will receive friends on Monday from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of David Richard Murphy will follow at 2:00 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home with Pastor Arthur Kievit of the Agape Ministries officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba. Luncheon will follow at the Agape Ministries Church in Escanaba.
