Mr. Pat Murphy, age 95, formerly of Kawkawlin, Michigan, passed away on February 13, 2010 at his daughter’s home in Clayton, California. He was surrounded by daughter, Pattie, and her family at the time.
Born March 12, 1914, he resided in Kawkawlin, Michigan all of his life. He is survived by his four daughters and a special niece; Pattie (John) Behmlander of Clayton, California; Sharon (Jim) Childs of Traverse City, MI; Margie Murphy (Mark DuBay) of Lawrence, MI; Maureen (Crawford) Murphy of Bay City, MI; and Denise (Rick) Schwartzly of Saginaw, MI.; 14 grandchildren: Kyle, Kara and Kayl Behmlander; Shawn and Ryan Childs; Nathan, Nick and Matthew Murphy-DuBay; Amber Wilson, Danielle and Breanna Crawford; Kevin, Joel and Katie Pena; and 14 great grandchildren: Kennedy, Mackenzie and Zachary Childs; Sierra Sleight, Cade and Colton Behmlander; Patrick, Kali, James, Alexis and Timmy Wilson, and Austin and Arianna Reinshuttle.
Pat’s extended family included many nieces, nephews and multiple friends throughout the United States. His love of life took him on many trips and each time he vividly shared his experience with those around him. Known as the unofficial “Mayor“ of Kawkawlin, he loved his community. He would often be seen walking the streets visiting with residents and business owners.
Pat proudly served his country in World War II as a 1st Lt. in the Army stationed in China, Burma and India in the prestigious Merrill’s Marauders unit. He loved to share the history of the war and gladly gave interviews to those wishing to know more. A favorite recent experience of his was a trip to the World War II memorial in Washington D.C., accompanied by fellow Dow Chemical Company employees who were also veterans. Pat was employed by The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan for over twenty-five years. He retired from Dow Chemical in March of l977.
Proud of his Irish heritage, Pat loved to be called “ Murph” by friends and family alike. At age 83, he managed to climb hundreds of steep steps at Blarney Castle in Ireland just to be able to say he kissed the Blarney Stone. In his youth, Pat was an avid baseball player, playing on several local teams and was a sports fan all his life. Pat’s last activity was watching his beloved Detroit Red Wings win a hockey game. It is certain he had something to say about that. Pat had a zeal for life that surpassed many; he looked at each day as a new horizon, a new adventure and new knowledge to be gained. Life to him was precious and he lived it to the fullest. Many felt privileged to know him. If you chose, you may make a contribution to the charity of your choice in his name and sing a verse of “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 26 at 12:00 noon at Sacred Heart Parish in Kawkawlin with his good friend, Fr. Joseph Schabel, presiding.
He will lie in state at the church from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon on the day of the funeral. Friends may call at Rivertown Funeral Home in Kawkawlin on Thursday, February 25 from 1 p.m.-9:00 pm. A Vigil Service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday evening.
