Cecil Murphy

Cecil Oren Murphy Jr., 87 of Great Falls, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2017.A memorial service will be held Monday, February 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Cecil Spud was born November 22, 1929 in Bonners Ferry, ID to Cecil and Johanna Murphy. He grew up in Great Falls and met Esther Kohles while in high school. After his graduation in 1950, he joined the Navy and served in the Korean War. On April 14, 1951 Spuddie and Esther were married in Yuma, AZ. They enjoyed a wonderful life of 57 years together until Esther's passing in 2008. After his discharge from the Navy in 1954, they moved back to Great Falls where he began working Civil Service at the MAFB as an Electro Mechanic for 30 years. After his retirement he drove an 18 wheeler for Meadow Gold Dairy for 10 years. They then bought a home in Yuma, AZ where they spent the winter months and then enjoyed the home that they built on the river by Craig in the summer months. In 2003, they moved back to Great Falls. In 2013, Cecil moved to Highgate Senior Living, where he enjoyed a full and happy life.Some of Cecil's favorite past times were always being with Esther, fishing, camping, dancing and playing cards. He also enjoyed elk hunting and digging for sapphires. Cecil was a true gentleman and always enjoyed helping others. He will be missed by all who knew him.Cecil is survived by his daughter, Christine (Kevin) Gaare; grandchildren Vic Shanks Jr., Scott Shanks, Chase (Angel) Shanks, Meghan (Brian) Ratliff and Matthew Murphy; his great grandchildren, Taylor Shanks, Tristin Shanks, Evan Ratliff, Miles Ratliff, Kassidy Gates-Yost and Kaleb Yost.He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Murphy Sr. and Johanna Murphy; wife Esther (Kohles) Murphy and son Thomas Murphy.