Thomas "Murph" Murphy

Thomas Lawrence Murphy, “Larry”, better known as Murph was born in Portsmouth, VA July 3, 1953 to Dr. James Joseph Murphy and Rita Marie Griffin, RN.  Larry passed away on February 16, 2020 at his home in Brookside from heart failure.  Larry attended St. John Elementary in Warrington, FL, St. Peter’s Catholic grade school in KCMO, Narragansett Jr. High School in Rhode Island and Southwest HS, graduating in 1971.  He joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in Quonset Point, RI, Camp Lejeune, NC and San Diego California.  After his service, he returned to Kansas City where he remained for the rest of his life.  He attended UMKC and studied Political Science.  While attending college he worked at McGonigles Market.  Murph worked at several area restaurants and bars through the course of his life including The Bigger Jigger, Plaza Longbranch Saloon, Stroud’s restaurant, Coach’s, Homer’s, Walsh’s Corner Cocktail and others.

He later worked in the landscaping business and most recently took on numerous handy man projects for neighbors in the Brookside area.  He enjoyed golf, diving, reading, crossword puzzles, word scrambles, jeopardy, art and carpentry.  A great cook and grill master he always provided delicious food for events, parties and his family.  In the past few years he enjoyed going to the Webb family farm in Gardner, KS.   He had a gift for gab and many will remember the numerous stories he used to tell about his escapades in the bar business.  An avid Chief’s fan for life, he celebrated their recent run through the playoffs and their Super Bowl win with the rest of Kansas City.

His biggest joy in life was his daughter Jessica.  He was always involved in her school activities, serving dinner at the PTA meetings at Border Star, coaching her T Ball team with South Broadland Church and faithfully attending her soccer games at Lincoln Prep.  He is also survived by ex-wife, Mary Webb Murphy, sisters Eileen Sloan of Rhode Island, and Maureen Murphy of FL, Brothers Timothy Murphy of KCMO, Dan Murphy of Hurst TX.   He was preceded in death by brothers, Mike, Pat, Kevin and Jerry as well as his sister Sheila.  He leaves numerous nephews and nieces as well as many who will remember him fondly.

No services per his request.  Private family inurnment at Leavenworth National Cemetery at a later date.  A celebration of life will take place at Walsh’s Corner Cocktail on Saturday, February 29th between 2 and 4 p.m.   Address:  304 W 85th St, Kansas City, MO.