Thomas Joseph Murphy

MURPHY, THOMAS JOSEPH - age 86 of Flushing, Michigan passed away on Monday, April 10. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Robert Bellarmine Church, 310 North Cherry Street, Flushing, Michigan, with Father Anthony Brooks officiating. A burial procession will follow to New Calvary Cemetery, 4142 Flushing Rd, Flint, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 28 at Reigle Funeral Home, 5501 W. Pierson Road, Flushing, Michigan from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Marine Corp Honors will be given at 6:30 p.m. and the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Church visitation will be on Saturday, April 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. A luncheon reception at St. Roberts Bellarmine Church’s hall will follow the burial service. A celebration of Thomas’ life and Irish Wake will be held the same day from 2:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Kathy’s Restaurant, 126 E Main St, Flushing, Michigan.

Thomas was the son of Timothy and Eva (Bolton) Murphy. He attended St. Michael’s High School in Flint, Michigan. Thomas served as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment during the Korean War. Thomas was a well-decorated veteran receiving three awards of the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the UN Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was a life-long member of the Marine Corps League Flint Detachment and the Disabled Veterans of Foreign Wars. Thomas married Phyllis Yaklin in 1954 and had four children, Daniel Murphy, Carol Murphy Olsby, Richard Murphy, and Thomas Murphy. Carol married Greg Olsby and they have three children, Julia, Jacob, and Joshua who recently married Megan. Heaven celebrated Phyllis’ arrival in 1985. Thomas married Beverly who had four children. Beverly’s children and their spouses are: Jayne & Blake Lossing, Brian & Terry Weymouth, Jeff & Suzanne Weymouth and Maureen McPhail. The grandchildren are: Kelly Lossing, Kasey Weymouth, Kylie Weymouth, Kendal Weymouth, Jessica Devlin, Terry-Lyn Williams, JR McPhail and Angie Gauthier who is married to Matthew and they have two sons, Jacob and Grayson. Beverly was lovingly greeted into heaven in 2004. Thomas enjoyed his family, friends, being active, and the outdoors. Thomas loved his Irish heritage and was an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was honored to be a Fourth-Degree life-long Knights of Columbus member. Thomas was also an active member of Flushing Senior Center. Thomas was a competitive fast walker participating in numerous half and full marathons until he was 83 years old. He was in the Crim numerous times. Due to Thomas, they started a new racing age class, 80 years and older. Thomas went to the YMCA 5-days a week and worked-out rigorously and had the body-fat composition of an athlete. Thomas is leaving his brother, Micheal and wife, Elaine. He will miss his dear sister-in-law, Sue, and his many special nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his siblings, William, John, and Mary Anne and his sister-in-law Pauline.

Thank you to the family and friends that were kind to Thomas who never complained as he tried to navigate his Dementia Alzheimer’s disease with dignity and grace. Kip Engel, Thomas’ best friend for over 30 years was a role model we should all follow, as he stood by Thomas to the end – always going above and beyond for his friend and family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) . Condolences may be shared with the family atwww.reiglefuneralhome.com