Daniel Ford Murphy

He was born September 4, 1919, in Parsons, West Virginia, a son of the late Daniel S. and Emma C. (Nestor) Murphy. On February 21, 1943, he married the love of his life, Beulah Lucille Jones, while on leave from the military. The couple moved to Randolph in 1954 to raise their family.

Survivors include his daughters: Barbara (Jeff) Pittman of Atwater, Sondra (Dr. Dwight) Skidmore of West Mansfield, Diane Murphy of Suffield, Carol DeRoche of West Mansfield, and Joyce Murphy of Hartville, as well as his sister Goldie Braun of Oceanside, California. Daniel also leaves his 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren to cherish his memory, as well as many wonderful friends and his dearest neighbors, Dennis and Linda Wise. He was preceded in death by his wife Beulah Murphy on September 2, 2003, and his two brothers Ralph and Fred Murphy.

A decorated veteran of WWII, Daniel served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army. He was in active combat throughout Africa, Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, and Germany. Mr. Murphy parachuted into St. Mere Eglise on D-Day and continued into France. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge and into Germany.

Daniel was a pipefitter with Goodyear and retired in 1981. He faithfully attended the Liberty Bible Church of Atwater and was active in Habitat for Humanity and the Randolph Lions Club, where he served as president.

Mr. Murphy served as Randolph Township Trustee for 20 years until his retirement in 1995. Daniel’s vision was the driving force for countless projects across the township. He was an integral figure in bringing a branch library to Randolph, establishing the EMS and sewer system, and in obtaining the land and constructing a cemetery chapel, soccer and baseball fields, and a community walking track. Daniel was well respected by his colleagues throughout Ohio and served as president of the Portage County Township Association. He served the community with dignity, integrity, and expertise.

Friends will be received Sunday, January 15, 2012, from 2:00 – 6:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. Friends may also call on Monday from 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM funeral service officiated by Pastor Allen Minton and Pastor Paul Phillips at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Randolph with military honors provided by the US Army and VFW Post 1055.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Randolph-Suffield-Atwater Food Shelf, 2643 Waterloo Road, Mogadore, Ohio 44260.