Frances Wickham

Frances P. Wickham, 90, of Owensboro passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. The Hartford native was born September 14, 1932 to the late Roy Phalen and Maudie Alice Gray Phalen. Frances served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War after which she worked for Rockwell International in Newport Beach, California where she earned her Engineering Technician certification. She retired from there in 1995 after twenty-five years and moved back to Kentucky. She secured employment at Hancock Fabrics and worked there for twelve years before retiring for the second time. Francis was an avid reader, enjoyed sewing, and going to the beach.

In addition to her parents, Frances also was preceded in death by her sons, Anthony Murphy in 1959, Patrick Murphy in 2020, and a daughter, Catherine Howard in 2022; stepfather, Ralph Pridgen; grandsons, Peter and Daniel Weaver.

She is survived by six children, Rosemary Murphy, Christopher Murphy, Mark Murphy all of Reed, David Murphy of Owensboro, Michael Murphy also of Reed, and Sharon Petit (Michael) of Irvine, California; sisters, Sherlie Boyd and Carol Hamilton (Larry); brother, Roy Phalen (Ellen); sixteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements for Frances are private. There will be a family graveside service at a later date. Care provided by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Condolences and memories for Frances’ family may be left at www.glenncares.com.