Francis Murphy

Francis, artist, businessman and World War II veteran passed away on December 13, 2020 in Peoria, AZ at the age of 101.
“Murph” was born and raised in Rockford, IL, received formal training at the Art Institute of Chicago, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps (Air Force) in 1941, where he served in North Africa and southern Italy as a part of the 434th Bomb Squadron (nicknamed ‘the Earthquakers’).
On July 4, 1944 in St Louis, Missouri Francis married the love of his life, Margaret Kennedy. After a brief time at Langley Airfield they established their home in Rockford. He co-founded Display Craft, where he designed and built industrial exhibits and advertising displays for trade shows.
Murph and his wife Marge believed strongly in international peace and understanding. Murph always said he could meet a person from anywhere in the world, and within 15 minutes find something they had in common. They put their beliefs into practice through leadership roles in the Christian Family Movement and the Foundation for International Cooperation. They organized many international homestay tours and hosted dozens of international students and visitors over the decades.
In 1990 Murph and Marge moved to Sun City AZ where they immediately became active volunteers at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, the Sun City Players, and many more clubs and civic events. Murph also designed and crafted decorative items and painted the whimsical clay creations Marge made.
Murph was preceded in death by Marge in 2019, the year of their 75th anniversary. He was greatly loved by his five children: Patricia, Maureen, James (Akiko), Teresa (Jasprit), and Diane and 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services at St. Thomas More on Friday April 16 at 10:30 a.m. Interment Wednesday April 21 at 10:30 a.m. at National Cemetery of Arizona. More information can be found on the Menke Funeral Home website.