Merlin Murphy

On December 31, 2015, at the Wyoming Medical Center, Merlin G. Murphy, age 81 succumbed to illness. He was surrounded by his three daughters, Myrna Gullion (Angeles), Debra Doak (Robert), and Barbara Pepper (Mark) at the time of death. Merlin was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years JoAnn, his parents Leo Murphy and Hazel Valentine, brothers, Dean, Roger(Butch), Raymond, Donald, Dennis, and step-brother Tony Scheenan. He is survived by his three daughters, a brother, Robert Murphy, 4 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Merlin loved to spend endless hours in his wood shop building toy trucks and birdhouses for family and friends. He had a great love of the outdoors. In his later years, he spent time at his daughter Debbie's log home in the Wind River Mountain Range above Lander. He love to fish, ride his 4-wheelers, and just gaze out the windows admiring the abundant wildlife found in the area. Toward the end of his life, he was able to travel back to the places of his youth. There he was able to reminisce about the things he did as a boy and visit relatives thought to be lost long ago. Merlin lived his life the way he wanted to. He remained active and independent to the end. He has gained his angel wings. May his soul soar forever through the heavens with those he loved. He will be forever missed by those who knew him. The family will be having a celebration of life gathering in the spring.