Harvey LaVern Murphy, 76 of Sterling, passed away Tues., Sept. 20, 2016 in Sterling. Memorial service will be 11:00 am, Sat., Sept. 24 at the Faith Tabernacle Church in Merino, Pastor Mike Kirschbaum officiating, with service concluding at the church.

Harvey was born Feb. 20, 1940 in Flagler, CO to Loren A. and Doris E. Mullen Murphy. He graduated from Harrison High School in Colo. Springs and continued his education for another four years on a full ride baseball scholarship at the University of Denver. He was drafted by the Oakland A's, but made the decision to start his career as a teacher instead.

He married Marilyn Gilbert in 1960 in Palmer Lake, CO. Thru the years he taught school, ranched and was in the insurance business. He loved baseball, ranching, fishing and ice cream and especially spending time with his grandkids. Marilyn passed away in 2003.

On June 15, 2005 he married Judith Meyer Benage in Hutchinson, MN.

Harvey was a member of the Faith Tabernacle Church. His faith and church were an important part of his life.

Harvey is survived by his wife Judy Murphy of Sterling; son Michael Murphy and wife Nita of Merino and daughter Kimberly Murphy Kirschbaum and husband Charles of Merino; stepchildren Linda Winn and husband Doug, Larry Benage and wife Shelly, Laura K. Benage and Jeanette Benage; sisters Leah Murphy Shonts and husband Stan of Colo. Springs and Edna Murphy Beaman of Colo. Springs; brother Darrell Murphy and wife Christine of Hyde Park, Utah; grandchildren Zackary Kirschbaum, Kayelani Kirschbaum and Carissa Kirschbaum; sisters-in-law Joan Gilbert Banks of SD and Diana Gilbert of NM and numerous step grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Marilyn Gilbert Murphy, brother Cecil Murphy at birth, brothers-in-law Don Beaman and Donald Gilbert and step-granddaughter Kayla Aviela.