Terry Murphy

Terry Lynn Murphy, lovingly known to many as "Murph," age 68 of Coello, Illinois, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

He was born on August 27, 1956, in Herrin, Illinois, to Charles Jerome and Pauline (Keeling) Murphy. A proud 1975 graduate of Herrin High School, he spent his life grounded in faith, family, and a love of the simple things that truly mattered. He attended Liberty Church in DuQuoin, Illinois.

Murph had a heart for the outdoors — spending countless hours deer, turkey, and squirrel hunting, and planting trees from seeds he foraged or was given. He had a deep appreciation for the beauty of small, steady things.

He also had a lifelong love of music, especially the blues, and found soul and joy in the sounds of Joe Bonamassa, Joe Cocker, Jeff Beck, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Many conversations — and many friendships — were shared over hot, strong black coffee at any hour.

Early in life, Murph worked at Orient 3 Coal Mine. After a layoff, he often said he “landed the best job he could ever ask for” at the Williamson County Highway Department, where he worked proudly for more than 35 years before retiring in 2019. He was a longtime member of the IUOE Local 318 in Marion, Illinois.

Murph loved church league softball, and he was a familiar and lively presence at Marion High School football games — cheering for his son and the Marion Wildcats just as loudly as the cheerleaders themselves.

But above all else, the true pride and purpose of Murph’s life were his children and his granddaughter. His love for them was unwavering, joyful, and endlessly proud. He never missed a chance to share a story, a photo, or a memory about them — his family was his greatest treasure and being their dad and “Pawpaw” was the role he cherished most.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Paula Marlene Murphy; his brother, John Allen Murphy; and his sister-in-law, Dennise Murphy.

He is survived by his children: Casey and Roni of Thompsonville, Dakota of Marion, and Alexis of Christopher; his beloved granddaughter, Elianna; and his brothers: Charles Murphy (Linda) of DuQuoin, Kenneth Murphy (Carolyn) of Johnston City, Ronald Murphy of Herrin, and his twin brother, Jerry Murphy (Melissa) of Herrin. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends — many of whom he considered family.

Murph’s legacy is one of kindness, joy, and unconditional love. He made everyone he met feel seen and welcomed, greeting each person with a wide smile, a strong handshake, and an open heart. His life was a reminder to cherish the people you love, to find happiness in the simple things, and to leave the world just a little better than you found it.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, with a Celebration of Life service beginning at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Siteman Cancer Center, MSC 1082-414-2555, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, or online at https://siteman.wustl.edu/tribute. Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Terry L. Murphy by writing a memo on your check.  Alternatively, to honor Murph’s love of planting trees, the family invites you to plant a tree in his memory — a tribute he would truly appreciate.