Earl Maynard Murphy, 86, of New Carlisle, Ohio died June 15, 2010.

Born March 2, 1924 to Elijah H. & Rosa Lee Murphy in Letcher County, Kentucky and was raised in Buchanan County, Council, Virginia.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was awarded among other medals the “Purple Heart” in the battle of the “Rhinelnad”. While recuperating from his wounds in Arkansas, he met and married the “love of his life” Margaret Aline Hardin. They raised 6 children, Erla, Earl, Doug, James, Vernald and Patricia (Tricia). They were blessed with 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

He is survived by 3 siblings, Fay Haas, Delano Murphy, and Elijah (Junior) Murphy.

He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Alma Rasnake & Zella Mills; 2 brothers, Richard (Dickie) & Cecil Wayne Murphy.

After retiring in 1983 from Delco Moraine (GM) he and his wife spent the next 30 years criss/crossing the U.S. in their motorhome or fishing in tournaments all over the country. He loved the outdoors, fishing, gardening and was a great “Bluegrass Musician” playing with some of the best musicians and bands in the country. He could play about any string instrument handed him after teaching himself to play the guitar at the age of 8.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 286 and a life long member of the Medway V.F.W. We will miss hearing his stories of his life and laughing along with him even though we had heard the same story dozens of times before.

Visitation will be 5-8 PM Sunday June 20, 2010 at the TROSTEL, CHAPMAN, DUNBAR & FRALEY FUNERAL HOME, New Carlisle, Ohio. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.trostelchapman.com