Keith M. Murphy

Keith M. Murphy, 86, died peacefully at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa, on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, after a battle with cancer. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at First Presbyterian Church in Davenport, Iowa, with a memorial service to follow (beginning at 11 a.m. at the same location). Donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church or the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.Keith grew up in Marshalltown, Iowa on his beloved family farm with his sister, Marlys Ankrum, and brother, Charles Murphy. In his ninth grade English class, Keith sat next to a girl named Mary Jean McClain. Upon getting to know her, he promised himself that he would marry her someday. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force during World War II, serving as lead navigator for thirty three missions over Europe, and reaching the rank of first lieutenant. After the war, he returned to Marshalltown and on Sept. 28, 1946, and fulfilled his promise by marrying his high school sweetheart, Jean Murphy.In 1946, Jean and Keith moved to Davenport, Iowa, where Keith eventually worked as an engineering technician at Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric until his retirement in 1988. He greatly enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of his position; some of his design solutions remain in place today at power plants in Davenport, Iowa City, and at the Louisa plant. Keith loved to fix things. The basement of his home often was scattered with disassembled household gadgets that he was deeply engrossed in repairing. Keith also got great pleasure from working in the garden, in the yard, and on his computer. Keith also enjoyed camping and being outdoors. When his son, David, was young, Keith served as scout master for the Boy Scout troop, and passed on a love of camping and canoeing in the Boundary Waters to most of the boys, but especially to Dave. Keith and Jean took the family camping across the United States, with mountain hiking in Rocky Mountain National park a family favorite. Keith and Jean also took some trips oversees, touring many countries which he enjoyed sharing stories about upon his return home. What Keith clearly enjoyed more than anything else, however, was spending time with his wife and family.Keith is survived by his wife, Jean Murphy; his son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Linda Murphy; a daughter, Sara Clough, of Iowa City, Iowa; and a sister, Marlys Ankrum of Marshalltown, Iowa. He also leaves behind five grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ann Spivey; his brother, Charles Murphy; and his parents, Ruby and H.Guy Murphy.