Howard T. Murphy of Umatilla passed away on Nov. 13, 2024 in Hermiston at the age of 69.
He was born on June 7, 1955 in Pendleton to Ray and Phyllis Murphy.
Howard lived on Day Ridge in Flora until the age of 3 when the family moved to Enterprise, where he was raised from 1958 until 1968. He lived in Athena for a time before moving to La Grande, where he graduated from high school in the class of 1973. Howard served in the United States Army from 1973 until his honorable discharge in 1977. He married Wanda Guenther and they had a daughter, Amy Murphy.
Howard drove log truck for 35 years for Ray Murphy & Sons Logging and then five years for Hill Meat Company in Pendleton before retiring. Wanda preceded him in death in 2016, as well as his parents. He enjoyed spending time with and playing with his grandchildren before they moved to California. Howard enjoyed camping, fishing, and going to the casino. He loved watching football, especially the Kansas City Chiefs.
He is survived by his wife, Becky Murphy, Umatilla; daughter, Amy Murphy, California; four grandchildren; brother, Jay Murphy, Elgin; sister, Marilyn (Randy) Fleshman, Scio; niece, Valerie Fleshman, Scio; nephew, Kevin Fleshman, Scio; stepdaughters, Heidi Haak, Holly Keller and Angela Boddeker; as well as several step-grandchildren, aunts uncles and cousins.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Howard with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
