Christopher Lesley Murphy

MANITO ~ Christopher Lesley "Chris" Murphy, 35, of Manito, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. He was born on March 2, 1990, in Peoria, the son of James E. Murphy, Jr. and Carrie L. (Jackson) Murphy.

Chris is survived by his two sons, Samuel and Nolan Murphy; his fiancé, Candice Alaniz; his father, James E. (Sandra) Murphy, Jr. of Green Valley; his mother, Carrie L. Jackson of Green Valley; one sister, Jessica (Robert) Murphy; two step-brothers, Augi (Amber) Tudela and Zach (Bre) Tudela; two step-sisters, Heather (Sam) Saul and Vanessa (Cody) Watson; his future in-laws, Leo and Vicki Alaniz; one nephew, Braden (Devin) Cease, and many cousins that filled his heart.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Billy Jackson; one great-aunt, Patricia (Thomas) Brisbin; his grandparents, Julie and Walt Waremburg, James E. Murphy, Sr., and Judith (Thomas) Jackson; and two aunts, Belinda (Shawn) Martis and Christina Murphy.

Chris was a 2008 graduate from New Hope Christian Academy and later graduated from The River School in Memphis, Tennessee in 2014.

Chris worked as a riverboat captain for Middle Illinois Marine and previously worked for the American River Transportation Company (ARTCO) for 10 years.

Chris’ finest achievements were becoming a father to his two sons, Samuel and Nolan, and becoming a great boat captain. He is remembered by those who knew him as a hilarious prankster with big, loving heart. His family will miss his humor, pranks, jokes, and his ability to make anyone laugh, no matter the situation. When he wasn’t making his family laugh, he enjoyed many other activities and hobbies like geocaching, riding his ATV, fishing, being with his sons and fiancé, fireworks, video games, Cardinals baseball, and listening to all types of music. Some of his favorite songs include God of Wonders by Third Day, He Reigns by Newsboys, Ocean by Audio Adrenaline, and I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me. Chris’s faith was an integral part of his life having grown up in the church and he had been actively looking for a new church to call home.

Chris' memorial service will take place at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home in Pekin with a two hour memorial visitation prior. Pastor Josh Beutow of Grace Baptist Church in Tremont will officiate. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.

Online condolences may be shared with Chris' family at www.Preston-Hanley.com