John "Jack" Murphy

Colonel John “Jack” E. Murphy 82, of Siesta Key, FL, originally of Des Moines, IA was called home by the Lord on December 19, 2017 in Southlake, TX.
Services and a celebration of his life will be held in June at Arlington National Cemetery.
Colonel Murphy was born September 11, 1935 in Des Moines, Iowa to J. Albert and Catherine O’Brien Murphy. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 31 years and traveled the globe as the Chief Operating Officer of a worldwide healthcare company. A spirited Hawkeye, Colonel Murphy received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa. He also received advanced degrees from Central Michigan University, George Washington University, and Harvard University. Colonel Murphy served as the Chief of the United States Air Force Medical Service Corps and Assistant Surgeon General for Health Care Support. He flew over 100 missions in Vietnam and later received the Air Force Scientific Achievement Award. The distinguished Colonel is the author of over 50 scientific and technical publications on health management. He was the first military officer to receive the American Hospital Association Federal Health Care Executives Award for Excellence. Among his awards and decorations are the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Department of Defense Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Colonel Murphy was an avid runner, boater, reader, writer, and tennis player. A man of deep faith, he was an active and dedicated member of the Catholic Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and Eucharistic Minister.
Colonel Murphy was preceded in death by his parents; his loving and devoted wife of 53 years Sarah McCurty Murphy; brother Terry Murphy; brother and sister-in-law Tim and Donna Murphy; sister Peggy McConkey and stepbrother Maury Rahm. Colonel Murphy is survived by his son John (Annie Rau) Murphy; daughters Cathy (Russell) Pollard and Beth (Frank) Cory; brother Jeffrey (Christine) Murphy; sisters Casey Murphy, Sheila Murphy and Patty (Keith) VanNwegen; sister-in-law Mary Murphy; brother-in-law Joe McConkey and stepsister Jennifer McCurnin; grandchildren Lindsay Champion-Parnell, Kelsey Champion, Haley LeDoux, Griffin Murphy, Jack Murphy, Paxton Murphy, Mary Kathryn Murphy, Tripp Cory, Grace Cory and Jack Cory;great grandchildren Jack Parnell,Xander Siemon,Charlotte Douglas, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Arrangements entrusted to Lucas Funeral Home - Keller Chapel
817-753-6800