Clayton Murphy, 85, of Lincoln, passed away October 27, 2018. Born February 3, 1933 in Knoxville, Iowa and was adopted by Asbury and Elsie (Seargent) Murphy.
The family moved to Lincoln when Clayton was a young boy and he attended Irving Junior High and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 20 and served 8 years. Clayton was very proud to be a Marine and did well while in the service taking advanced studies for aviation electronics tech, and airman school.
After returning home from the Marines, he started a lawn business and snow removal called Murphy’s Lawn Service. He kept this business going over 60 years and had many loyal customers. Clayton had a flair for landscaping and many remarked at how lovely his yard was.
During this time, he started working full-time at Burlington railroad so the lawn business was part-time in the evenings and on the weekends. He stayed at the railroad for over 50 years until he retired in 1995. Then he could work full-time in his lawn business, which he dearly loved.
At age 67, Clayton married Rose Reynolds and they enjoyed 17 years of a happy marriage. He was a member of First Assembly of God Church for over 50 years and in later years attended Capitol City Christian Church.
Clayton had many friends and a lot of them called him “Murphy.” He was especially fond of children, showering them with gifts and candy at the different holidays.
Preceded in death by his parents, sisters Bette Pierce, Martha Holmgren, brother-in-law Albert Holmgren, and sister Pat Carr.
Survivors include his wife Rose, stepson David (Heather) Reynolds, Oklahoma, step-daughter LeAnne Rutt, niece Susan Pierce, nephew Larry (Linda) Pierce, all of Lincoln, nieces Diane (Ron) Peltz, North Dakota and Beth (Don) Winn, Wyoming, nephew Mark (LaVonne) Holmgren, Kansas; 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, great nephews and nieces.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday (11-2-18) Capitol City Christian Church, 7800 Holdrege Street with Pastor Todd Grove officiating.
Memorials to the family.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street.