Earl McKnight Murphy, 86, of Madison, died on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at his home in Madison.
He was born on March 14, 1938 in Emporia to Calvin Murphy and Blanche Johnson Murphy.
He married Patricia (Patsy) Jean Schmidt on Nov. 28, 1959 in Emporia. They 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.
He wrote a weekly column titled “Tell It Like It Is” in The Madison News. He served 18 years on the Madison City Council and was a member of the Madison Masonic Lodge #138. He attended Lamont Wesleyan Church.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy; two daughters Janell Curry and Jola Casey, both of Madison; one son Calvin Murphy, of Madison; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 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 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20 followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. 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.
