MSGT Eugene “Gene” Murphy, Jr., retired U. S. Air Force, joined his wife, Juanita, in Heaven on Friday evening, August 24, 2018 at the age of 94. Gene was born November 2, 1923 in Louisiana, Missouri, the son of Eugene Murphy, Sr. and Opal Davis Murphy. On April 5, 1943, Gene met Juanita Mae Barber in Kansas City, Missouri. They married the next day, April 6, before his WWII deployment the following day. Gene served his country in the Air Force for 23 years and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After retiring from the Air Force, Gene worked at NSA for 12 years as a national security communications analyst, retiring in 1979. After travelling for a year, Gene and Juanita settled in Castroville. After Juanita passed away on March 25, 2000, Gene continued to live in their home. Later, his daughter, Nancy, relocated to care for him and moved to New Braunfels to be near family where he spent his final days.
He was a member, past commander and district commander of Medina Valley VFW Post 8134, a member of the American Legion in Maryland and a Shriner.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 56 years, Juanita; son, Terry Lee Murphy; son-in-law, Warren D. Cook; daughter-in-law, Margaret Murphy and nine siblings.
Survivors include his son, Danny Gene Murphy of New Braunfels; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Kenny Clark of New Braunfels; daughter-in-law, Linda Murphy of Bulverde; grandchildren, Kimberly McMahon-Balderas (Allan), Troy Cook (Harumi), Jennifer Flores (Juan), Gregory Murphy (Mary), Joel Murphy (Tracy); 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Glen Murphy, Betty Murphy and Virginia Peter; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 4, 2018 starting from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, with a Funeral Service at 7:00 pm.
Graveside Service and Interment with Full Military Honors will be Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 10:00 am at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Gene’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.