James Morton "Mort" Murphy

James Morton "Mort" Murphy, 79, of Owensboro went home to be with Jesus on April 29, 2019 while under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. Born June 28, 1939 in Owensboro to the late Michael Richard Murphy and Mary Frances Riney Murphy, Mort attended Owensboro Catholic High School (class of '57) and went on to receive his degree from Brescia College. Growing up helping his dad in the sewing machine business, Mort would go door to door with him making sales and service calls. Mort's expertise in business enabled him to serve Owensboro as the owner of Murphy Sewing Machine Company until he sold the business in 2015. Mort and Barbara (Collins) love story began when they were only 14 years old and led to marriage when they reached the age of 20. Mort and Barbara stayed busy raising their five children and they enjoyed vacations with his siblings in Florida. Mort and Barbara loved the Lord and wanted to share Him with others. They were both ordained ministers and founded a church called "The Way Station" and pastored together for 25 years leading many to faith in Jesus Christ. Mort loved people, had a dry wit and loved to laugh, go out to eat, and share the gospel.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Murphy also was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter "Moose" Murphy and Billy D. Murphy; sister, Suzanne Coomes.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara Collins Murphy; daughters, Paula Roberts and husband Dean and Diane Priar and husband Allen both of Owensboro and Stephanie Dolence and husband Larry of Lander, Wyoming; sons, Phillip Murphy and wife Melinda of Owensboro and Randy Murphy and wife April of Whitesville; nine grandchildren, Brad Docimo (Amber), David Docimo (Kim), Jahna Fulkerson (Drew), Chris Murphy (Laura), Chad Priar (Whitney), Bethanie Roberts, Ashley Gleason (John), Jacob Roberts (Shelby), and Melissa Murphy; 11 great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Bea Blanford (D.B.) and Rose Bartley; brother in law, Joseph "Bucky" Coomes.

The funeral service for Mort Murphy will be 10:00 am Tuesday, May 7 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be Monday from 2:00 until 8:00 pm and Tuesday from 9:00 am until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Hospice of W. Kentucky/Heartford House, 3419 Wathen's Crossing Owensboro, KY 42301.

Memories and condolences for the family of Mort Murphy may be shared at www.glenncares.com