Murphy, Eugene Gerald

Eugene Gerald Murphy, 89, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, at his home of 55 years in Affton, Missouri. Gene was born on February 6, 1936, to Jean Sophia (Budzinski) and David Joseph Murphy of St. Louis, where he was raised and would spend his entire life. He is survived by his wife Barbara; children Steve (Kristy) Murphy, Peggy (Sadeth) Phimphavong, Eileen (David) Caffey, Tom (Kate) Murphy, Mark (Amy) Murphy, and Dan Murphy; 14 grandchildren; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and countless friends.

Gene attended St. James the Greater School in Dogtown and St. Louis University High School, graduating class of 1954, and would meet regularly with his fellow Jr. Bills throughout his life. He went on to attend St. Louis University, graduating with honors in 1958 with a degree in philosophy, and served in the Air National Guard Reserves for six years after graduation. He began his professional career working in the family business of owning and operating Ben Franklin stores, opening his own store in North St. Louis in 1961. He moved on to Kellwood Company in 1969, where he would serve in various roles for 32 years, retiring in 2001.

Gene put family above all. He married Barb, his wife of 62 years, in 1963 after meeting her through the young adult program at Epiphany Parish in South St. Louis. Together, they lovingly raised six children and made the sacrifices necessary for all their kids to attend Catholic schools through high school and graduate from college. Gene’s 14 grandchildren, ranging in age from 13 to 29, have come to know “Pawpaw” as a constant source of kindness, wisdom, and fun. The welcoming home Gene and Barb created on Forest Heights Drive has served as a family gathering place and a shared source of joy for more than five decades.

Gene embodied his Jesuit education throughout his life as a true “Man for Others.” He faithfully served Seven Holy Founders Parish in a variety of roles, from regular event volunteer to Parish Council President, even coaching teams his kids didn’t play on when needed. He also generously donated his time and treasure to the many causes he believed in, both near and far – from pro-life organizations in St. Louis to the St. Joseph Indian School in South Dakota.

Volunteer work became a second career after his professional retirement. His tireless efforts on behalf of the local community – including serving as president of the Affton Christian Food Pantry, president of the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Seven Holy Founders, co-chairman of the Economic Development Committee at MCU-Isaiah (now ACIA), and various other board positions and memberships in community organizations – were recognized in 2007 when Gene was named Affton Citizen of the Year.

Gene was a friend to all who knew him and a true gentleman in every sense of the word. His kindness, generosity of spirit, and dry sense of humor made him a welcome sight at any gathering. His trademark calm, usually interrupted only when his beloved St. Louis Cardinals blew a game, brought reassurance to every life he touched. Like the character George Bailey in one of Gene’s favorite movies, he worked behind the scenes so that others could shine, and, also like George Bailey, he lived a truly wonderful life.

The world is a better place for having had Gene Murphy in it.

Services: Visitation at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church, 6737 S Rock Hill Rd, Affton, MO 63123, on Saturday, October 18, at 8:30am until Funeral Mass at 10am. Family-only burial to be followed by lunch reception at Seven Holy Founders Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gene’s memory to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Seven Holy Founders, the Affton Christian Food Pantry, or St. Louis University High School.