Wayne A. Murphy, age 90, of Ozark passed away January 3, 2025 in his home. He was born March 31, 1934 in Golden, Missouri. On April 4, 1954 he was united in marriage to Delores Polete in Tunica, Mississippi, and to this union four children were born. He graduated from the Missouri State Highway Patrol academy in 1958 and graduated from the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia in 1972. He served our state for 31 years before retiring and working security for Ray Stevens in Branson, Missouri. He was an avid coin and sports card collector; a long time St. Louis Cardinal fan, during the good years and bad. He adds to his resume softball coach for a team that included the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.
He is survived by his children Paula and John Payne, Ozark, Missouri, Tony and Kim Murphy, Lebanon, Tennessee, and Tami and Michael Burris, Stillwell, Kansas; a brother Dale and Teen Murphy, Poplar Bluff, Missouri; a brother William and Willa Murphy, Independence, Missouri; a sister Mary Belle Murphy, Poplar Bluff, Missouri; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Delores; a son Mark Murphy; his father and mother, Lloyd and Hazle Murphy; a brother and sister-in-law Arlen and Sis Murphy; and a great-granddaughter Makayla Murphy Jones.
Visitation will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025 at Barnes Funeral Home in Ozark, Missouri, with funeral services to follow. A full Highway Patrol memorial burial service will follow in Hopedale Cemetery, Ozark, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the M.S.H.P. “The Masters” program to assist families of members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol that are killed in the line of duty. 780 County Road 383, Whitewater, Missouri, 63785 or www.themastersmo.org. Online condolences may be shared at wwwbarnesfamilyfunerals.com.
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David Brown says
January 7, 2025 at 12:44 pmRIP my friend, I always enjoyed visiting with you
Charles & Diana Gretzinger says
January 7, 2025 at 2:04 pmIn the eight years we have known him he became a great neighbor and friend. We will miss him extremely! Rest in peace. We love you!
Sharon Rook says
January 8, 2025 at 6:39 pmI’m so very sorry for your loss. He was a very wonderful example of a great man. So sorry for your loss Paula and your entire family.
Laura Whitener Jamrozy says
January 14, 2025 at 8:47 pmTami, my mom just told me that your dad had passed away. I am so sorry to hear that. Please know that Mom and I are thinking of you and your family. I actually smiled when I read his obituary. With all their common interests, he and my dad could have been twins! I know that my dad thought very highly of your dad. May they watch all the Cardinals’ games together and Rest in Peace. If the Cardinals end up winning the World Series next year, you and I will know why.
Laura Whitener Jamrozy & Nancy Whitener