Earl Eugene Murphy

Earl Eugene Murphy, 70, of Fremont, OH passed away on March 24, 2024 at the Cleveland Clinic. Earl was born on February 19, 1954, the son of the late Fredrick Willis and Bettye (Clewlow) Murphy.

It is with great sadness that the family of Earl E. Murphy announce his passing on Sunday, March 24, 2024. Earl graduated from Fremont Ross High School, class of 1973. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist serving on multiple deployments all around the world. He was Honorably medically retired from the military in 1977.

Upon returning to Fremont while working as an EMT he met the love of his life Laura (Lola)., an ER nurse.  They went on to marry in 1978 In Clyde, Ohio. The Newlyweds bought their family home in 1978. In 1985 Earl and Laura were blessed with a son (Michael).

In 1980 Earl was hired into the Maintenance Department at Davis-Besse Nuclear Power plant. He worked at the Power Plant for 35+ years where he would eventually retire as a Nuclear Specialist Quality Control Inspector. Earl held multiple positions at the power plant, and created many lifelong friendships along the way. Most of them became more like family. In retirement, Earl enjoyed once-a-month Breakfasts together with all the Davis-Besse fellow Retirees. Earl was highly respected by his colleges as well as others in his Profession.

While working at Davis-Besse Earl went on to earn 3 Degrees. The first in 1990 from Terra Technical College where he earned his Associate’s degree. His 2nd and 3rd degrees came from Spring Arbor College where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s Degree. Earl graduated from all 3 Summa Cum Laude. He was very proud of these accomplishments being the First from his family to Graduate from College.

From his early childhood, Earl was fascinated by the railroad.  He shared this passion with lifelong friends and together they collected, built, and weathered train memorabilia.  Earl had several articles published in model railroader magazines. Along with Model Railroading Earl enjoyed being behind the Camera taking numerous photographs for friends, family, and loved ones. Earl and Lola loved to ride motorcycles for 25+ years, making more Lifelong friends along the way. In his spare time he liked to attend Sporting events at his Alma Mater Fremont Ross as well as Notre Dame and the Detroit Tigers. Earl had a strong passion for Music whether it was live or on the Radio.

Earl wouldn’t ever miss any opportunity he had to be there for his son or grandchildren’s events. Family was the most important thing to Earl. Although it was hard to capture his smile on camera most of the time, he was always a very positive person that was on-time and very intentional to be present in every moment possible.

Earl is survived by his wife, Laura Jeanne (Clapp) Murphy, whom he married on April 8, 1978 in Clyde, OH at First Missionary Church; son, Michael Murphy; grand-children, Noah Sellen and Kira Murphy; and God-son, Brenden Allen.

In addition to his parents, Earl is preceded in death by his siblings, Carol (Jon) Steeves, Darol Murphy, and Bonnie (John) Geyer. 

Visitation will be held at Foos Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 504 E. McPherson Highway, Clyde, OH 43410, on April 6, 2024 from 2:00-4:00pm until a memorial service begins at 4:00pm. Following the memorial service, burial will take place at York Chapel Cemetery where military honors will be rendered. Following the burial service, a luncheon will be held at Grace Community Church, Fremont.