Merle R. Murphy

Merle Richard Murphy, 83, passed away on January 4, 2017, at the Veteran Affairs Hospice facility in Des Moines.

He was the youngest of 5 sisters and 1 brother, born to Andrew Jackson Murphy and Violet (Cooper) Murphy in Des Moines on October 2, 1933.

Following graduation from Lincoln High School, Merle enlisted in the Marines serving in Korea for 2 years during the Korean War. After returning to Iowa, Merle worked as a truck driver.

Merle loved God, his family, and his country. His character, personality, and smile were of the precious few. Semper Fi.

Merle was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Helen Joan (Anderson) Murphy, three daughters, twins, Cynthia Diane and Linda Elaine and Sue Ann Murphy Pauley, sisters, Leona (Ted Dhainin), Rosemary (Al Astley), Ann (Bob Crawford), and brother, Jack (Jane) Murphy.

Merle is survived by his loving son, Scott and daughter-in-law Jacqueline, sisters, Alice (Leroy) Raymond and Vickie (Harold) Hague, and sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Bill Dingeman.

Merle will be greatly missed by his many special nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00, with memorial service at 11:00, Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Hamilton Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.

Burial with military honors will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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