Bobby E. Murphy

The unique, wonderful, earthly journey of Bob Murphy came to a peaceful conclusion on Thursday morning, July 17, 2025, as he passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He “broke the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God.”

Bobby Eugene Murphy was born November 23, 1931 in the unincorporated settlement of Nodena, Arkansas. Bob was abandoned by his father before he was born, and he and his mother moved to Blytheville, Arkansas where he grew up as a youngster. Bob attended Blytheville High School, graduating in 1950.

In 1950, Bob moved to Rockford, IL as an 18-year-old because he heard the job opportunities were better in Rockford. He made Rockford his home for the next 75 years. In December 1955, Bob began working at Sundstrand Aviation where he would remain employed until his retirement in October 1999. Bob was an electrician, a longtime member of the United Aerospace Workers Local 592.

On Bob’s 32nd birthday, November 23, 1963, he married Elaine Louise Jones, a nurse he met in Freeport, IL. They remained united in marriage until Elaine's passing on June 27, 2022. To this union was born two sons, Michael Robert and Shawn Patrick.

Since Bob was in his early 20’s, he was passionate about aviation. It was a joyful, fulfilling hobby to him. He was a member of the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Bob loved to fly his RV-4 at the Poplar Grove Airport. Both Bob and Elaine began regularly attending Rock Church in 1963 and they stayed active in the church until age and infirmity kept them close to home.

Bob is survived by his two sons, Michael and Shawn; sister, Bobbie–Joyce Dotson; two daughters-in-law, Tomoko and Chris; four granddaughters, Bethany, Emily, Clare, and Bridgette; and one great-granddaughter, Ellie. Predeceased by his parents, Bessie Mae Ellis and King David Murphy (David Jackson Murphy); sister, Verlene Cotton; brother, Eugene Gifford, and his wife of nearly 59 years, Elaine. Bob lived a wonderful life and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and supreme faith in God Almighty. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

The Murphy Family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following in-home caregivers for the love and care they bestowed upon Bob in his sunset years; Enkhbat “Ebbi” Viktor, Olga Bainbridge, Mashjooba Maulee, Betty Craig and Ashley Holder.

Memorial service will be Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, with a memorial visitation from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. Please stop by and visit for a spell, as Dad would have always enjoyed family and friends coming to visit.

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