Earl McKnight Murphy

Earl McKnight Murphy, 86, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 14, 2024 at his home in Madison.

Earl was born on March 14, 1938 in Emporia to Calvin Murphy and Blanche Johnson Murphy. 

He married Patricia (Patsy) Jean Schmidt on November 28, 1959 in Emporia. 

He lived in the Olpe-Madison area his entire life. He and Patsy made their home northwest of Madison on the family farm where he worked as a farmer and rancher as well as in the oil field.

Earl had many hobbies throughout his life. He loved fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening and anything else he took a notion to. He became an expert bread baker in his later years. He loved to learn new things and was willing to try anything once. He even had a pilot’s license. 

Earl was a very talented storyteller, and enjoyed regaling his children and grandchildren with his stories of being raised in rural Olpe with his two sisters and many cousins. 

Growing up, Earl loved fast cars, skipping school, getting in trouble with his friends and tearing up the town. Most of his tales involved slipping out of a window at Emporia High School and having a day of fun. He often proclaimed that the 1950’s was the greatest time to grow up.

He was known to get into a fight or two and at 138 pounds, his mouth was his biggest weapon. He once stopped in a local cafe with a shiner after a night of fighting and the owner informed him that he looked like he had “been broadcasting when he should have been tuning in.”

There was nothing he loved more than telling someone a good joke. He had a few new ones but he also had a portfolio of old classics that we’ve all heard a few times. 

In 1991, Earl made a decision to address some issues in his life and went to Valley Hope Rehabilitation in Norton. It was a life-changing event for the entire family. 

His love for storytelling led him to an opportunity to write a weekly column for the local newspaper The Madison News. His column was called “Tell It Like It Is.” His family owned the newspaper for many years and after it was sold, he continued to write until his health declined. He penned many stories about his family but loved to voice his political opinion.

He was known as a conservative republican but he resented being called a “dyed-in-the-wool” republican because he had “voted for a few democrats.” 

He served 18 years on the Madison City Council, a post he enjoyed and took very seriously. 

He was a member of the Madison Masonic Lodge #138. He attended Lamont Wesleyan Church. 

His greatest joy was his family.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Patsy, his daughter Janell Curry and husband Gregg, daughter Jola Casey and husband Evan, son Calvin Murphy and wife Chris, all of Madison. Eight grandchildren, Brandon, Wesley, Taryn, Olivia, Miranda, Mitch, Paige and Emma. 14 great grandchildren, Kenyon, John, Kathryn, Reese, Ezra, Asher, Scarlett, Dapper, Sloan, Thalia, JW, Arie, Emmett, Eleanor. He is also survived by one sister, Callie Reber of Concordia. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sally Estes.

Visitation with the family is scheduled for 1 pm Friday, December 20 followed by a memorial service at 2 pm at Lamont Wesleyan Church, 2726 349th St., Madison, KS. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Valley Hope of Norton, in care VanArsdale Funeral Home, PO Box 488, Madison, Ks 66860.