Philip Lee Murray

Philip Lee Murray
January 28, 1934 – November 16, 2023

Phil, 89, died unexpectedly November 16, 2023, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

Philip Lee Murray was born January 28, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Wallace R. and Caroline Mae (Pattee) Murray. As youths, Phil and his twin brother, Larry (Lawrence Pattee Murray), were among a remarkable crop of twins at First United Methodist Church in Downtown Des Moines, where, at their mother’s bidding, they were reluctant acolytes.

Phil lived most of his life in the Franklin neighborhood of Des Moines and was a 1952 graduate of Roosevelt High School. Having expressed a senior yearbook ambition “Not to go over big in Korea,” he served with the U.S. Army in Japan as a medical corpsman from 1955-57. Phil’s twin, Larry, was stationed with the military elsewhere in Japan at the same time.

Phil worked as a bookkeeper for Keck Parking and later as a custodian for the Des Moines Public Schools.

In his later years, Phil moved from Franklin Avenue to AHEPA 192 Senior Apartments, Johnston; a VA Medical Foster Home, and then Beaverdale Estates, Des Moines; and finally, the Iowa Veterans Home last August. Upon first meeting Phil, new neighbors and staff frequently remarked that he was such a kind man.

Though a stutterer who spoke with difficulty, Phil possessed a high intellect and sharp wit that rewarded any who would but listen. He did not let his speech prevent him from taking part fully in life and he expressed himself in every way as the truly unique individual that he was.

A deep thinker, Phil was well read and treasured peace and quiet. Blaring televisions, noisy neighbors and hallway clatter were his enemies. He was temperate, practical and rational – with a markedly stubborn streak.

Locally Phil will be lovingly missed by his maternal Pattee cousins including John (Sarah) Champion and sons, and Scott Stuart, all of Altoona, in addition to many dear friends and acquaintances. He also is survived by far-flung Murray nieces and nephews in Texas, California and Colorado. He was predeceased by both parents and all three brothers, the Rev. Richard (“Dick”), Robert (“Bob”), and his twin, Lawrence (“Larry”), Murray.

Per Phil’s wishes, his body was cremated and no formal services will be held. Final disposition of his cremated remains will be in Veterans Block 49 of Glendale Cemetery, bordering Fifty-fifth Street, Des Moines.

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