Dr. Robert K. Murphy

Dr. Robert Keith Murphy was born on April 2, 1942, in Kansas City, Missouri to Percy Lee and Gonzell Murphy. Robert was the second child of twelve children, five girls and seven boys. Robert departed this life on December 2, 2017, at home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy Lee and Gonzell, a sister Judith Ann Murphy, and a brother, Dwight Eugene Murphy. Robert attended St. Monica Catholic School and attended and graduated from De La Salle Academy in 1960. After high school, Robert aspired of becoming a Priest. He attended the Christian Brothers Seminary in Glencoe, Missouri for a couple of years. He changed his mind about becoming a Priest, and transferred to St. Mary?s University in Winona, Minnesota, where he received a B.A. in Education. Robert continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He worked diligently to receive his Master and Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Robert married Ruth Campbell in 1970, and to this union they were blessed by the births of Renae Monya, Robert Kendrick, and Ryan C. Murphy. The family moved to Madison, Wisconsin. Robert was named Director of the Five (5) Year Minority Program at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Robert moved back to Kansas City, Kansas in 1998. Once again, he became a faithful member of Holy Name Catholic Church. The Murphy family have been members of the church for over fifty-years. Robert enjoyed being a Lector on Sundays and became a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a dedicated Educator and Psychological Counselor for over forty years. Robert was employed by the Johnson County Community after returning to Kansas City, Kansas. He was a professional member of the Counseling Center Staff, focusing on personal development as it relates to Academic Advising and Personal and Career Counseling for general and under-served student population. He retired from the Johnson County Community College after almost twenty years in Counseling. Dr. Robert Keith Murphy is survived by and leaves to cherish his memories, his children: Renae Murphy, Robert Kendrick Murphy, Ryan C. Murphy, and Rashad Murphy; five brothers: Judge Michael Murphy (Loretta) and Paul Murphy (Carol) both of Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Stephen Murphy (Gwendolyn) of Liberty, Missouri, Mark Stanley Murphy of Kansas City, Missouri and Kevin Murphy of Dallas, Texas; four sisters: Wanda Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri, Percilene Murphy of Lee?s Summit, Missouri, Patricia Murphy of Kansas City, Kansas, and Rita K. Womack (Melvin) of North Kansas City, Missouri; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral Service for Dr. Robert Keith Murphy will be held Saturday, December 9, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church, 1001 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, Kansas. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Interment, Brooking Cemetery.

Dr. Robert K. Murphy

April 2, 1942 - December 2, 2017