John Howard McMurphy, 83, of Flagstaff passed away September 30, 2009 at Flagstaff Medical Center. He was born in Flint Michigan on March 7, 1926 to Frank and Grace McMurphy.

John was a WWII veteran serving in the U.S. Army

He worked 22 years for K-Mart, managing the camera department. He moved to Phoenix in 1972 and later transferring to Prescott Valley in the late 1970's.

John enjoyed listening to music on the radio, visiting Austria and Sedona. John had fond memories of fishing with his dad; he loved music, playing the tuba in the Salvation Army Band, going dancing with his wife, hearing the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, singing in the Prescottones Barbershop Choir, and singing in the church choir.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge for many years and an active member of the Lutheran church for over 40 years. His view on life was that "life is beautiful". Times get tough but he made it through. His proudest moment was when his daughters were married.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barbara McMurphy of Flagstaff, daughters Colleen (Francis) Keegan of Flagstaff, Diane (Gregory) Brysselbout, of Buckeye, AZ. Son, Stephen McMurphy of Austria, six grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Dennis DeMaria and sister Lorraine Fisher, of Lancing, MI.

A service to celebrate John's life will be Monday October 5, 2009 at Peace Lutheran Church. A visitation will be Sunday evening from 7 to 8pm at the Norvel Owens Mortuary and again Monday morning 1 hour prior to services at Peace Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in the Veteran's Section of Citizens Cemetery with Military Honors.