Charles Murphy

Charles Isaac “Chuck” Murphy, 93, of Downs, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025.

Born on May 30, 1932, in Bloomington, Illinois, Chuck was the son of Paul I and Ida Murphy. From an early age, he developed a deep connection to the land that would shape his life’s work and passion. A lifelong farmer, Chuck embraced the values of hard work, responsibility, and community. He was never shy about rolling up his sleeves and doing what needed to be done—whether in the fields or for a neighbor in need. He served several terms on the Tri-Valley School Board as well as Downs Township Supervisor.

Chuck married Marilyn Elbert on October 5, 1952 with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. She predeceased him on April 4, 2025. Together they raised a family rooted in strong values and enduring bonds. Their travels together, especially to Jamaica, were cherished adventures that added joy to their lives beyond the farm. For many years at Christmas, he and his wife made candy for family and many friends. His specialty was several varieties of fudge.

Chuck is remembered with love by his children: son Kent Murphy; daughters, Diann Arbuckle and Connie (Mark) Leake. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Laura Murphy and her children, Shelby (Jacob) Whitlatch and Marissa (Zac) Orendorff; Kristen (Josh) McLennan and her children, Isaiah and Moriah Muriello; Nicki (Craig) Becker and their children, Sam and Emerson; Chris (Michelle) Arbuckle and their children, Corey and Addison; Colton (Kelsey) Leake and daughter Luann; Taylor (Jim Brandt) Leake; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Jeannine Weber and his cousin, Mary Kay Ciccoianni, with whom he enjoyed many long talks on the phone.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents Paul I and Ida Murphy; daughter-in-law Linda Murphy; son-in-law Joe Arbuckle; grandson-in-law John Moss; father- and mother-in-law Vernon and Gladys Elbert; brother Pat Murphy; and in-laws Robert and Gloria Jane Smith, Wilma Humphrey, and Bill Weber.

Chuck had a gift for conversation—he never met a stranger—and was always ready with a story or a joke. He loved nothing more than watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in sports or other activities. His presence at those events was a constant source of encouragement for his family. While at these events Chuck fine tuned a very unique talent of falling asleep anywhere including on bleachers. While demonstrating this skill he never once fell off the bleachers or leaned on anyone. Another skill of his moments of slumber was the ability to dose off mid sentence but upon awaking pick right up at that same exact word.

A man who lived by example, Chuck was generous with advice when asked—and sometimes when not—but always from a place of care. He was deeply devoted to his family as a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.

May Charles “Chuck” Murphy’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him. His legacy of hard work, kindness, humor, and devotion will live on through the many lives he touched.

Memorials may be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?cID=14262&pID=24671&product_code=ECGLMMENANEWinlovingmemory&sc_icid=wtg-mm-memorialcards)

A private family service for Charles and Marilyn will be held at a later date.