Beloved son, brother, father, husband, uncle, cousin and friend, Joseph (“Joe”) Budlong Murphy, 65 yrs old, passed away on August 28th, 2018. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place to honor his life on Tuesday, September 4th, 2018, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at The Highlands at Forest Park, 5163 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Joseph’s name to the Gateway Area Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society or the American Heart Association.

Joe was born on February 25th, 1953, to R. Brent Murphy and Patricia L. Murphy in St. Louis, Missouri. He married Brenda Legg on May 25th, 1991 at their home in Maplewood, Missouri. Joe was a devoted husband and father who loved unconditionally and without boundaries. He adopted his daughter, Tamara, on May 7th, 1992. He welcomed his first-born son, Brent, on August 26th, 1997, and his second son, Lawrence, was born on September 30th, 1998. He proudly proclaimed his three children as his greatest accomplishments in life. Joe worked as a printing and bindery operator for 16 years at St. Louis Tag and was recently promoted to Supervisor . Joe rarely missed a day of work and by example, he showed what excellent work ethic and responsibility were. When Joe was not at his place of business, he could be found in his basement or garage tinkering with something, working on cars and/or lending a helping hand to anyone in need, no matter how big or small the request might be. If he was not fixing something or lending a helping hand, Joe would be found spending time with the family that he so deeply loved and adored, ensuring many happy memories were made to be treasured for a life time. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents. They were his role models and raised a loving and nurturing family, as he followed their example. He was also preceded in death by his beautiful sister-in-law, Patricia Merrins Murphy, and loving brother-in-law, Alan Dryer.

Joe is survived by his wife, Brenda Murphy, children Tamara(David) Verjan, Brent Murphy and Lawrence Murphy, his siblings DeeDee Murphy, Brent(Jean) Murphy, Dan Murphy, Pat Dryer, Carroll (Wayne) Dye, and Jim Murphy, grandchildren Anthony “Tony” Verjan(18), Hannah Verjan(12), and Nathan Verjan (6), as well as 9 nieces, 4 nephews, cousins and extended family, all of whom he loved dearly and treasured deeply in his heart. That love was reciprocated by his family.

The family of Joseph B. Murphy wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Vincent at St. Anthony’s emergency room, Dr. Jay and Dr. Ohmen of Barnes Jewish hospital and nurses Dawn, Angie and Adam at Barnes Hospital on 56 Cardiothoracic ICU for providing exceptional medical as well as personable care during his time with them