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.
Dear Barb and family, we are saddened by the passing of our dear cousin. Doug and I are keeping you in our prayers . Sending our deepest sympathies. Doug and Mary Beth (Cafazza) Reckamp
Dear Barb and family, we were saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. He was a great man. We enjoyed being with both of you on our SHF pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2011. We have great memories of our Naples Florida lunch with Father Burr. Gene attended 34 White House retreats and I attended 23 of mine with him. He will be missed and Pam and I send our sympathies and prayers to you and your family.
Dear Murphy Family / Dan / Mrs. Barb Murphy,
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I write to express my deepest condolences on the passing of your Father /Husband.
Words feel inadequate to capture the depth of sorrow we feel, yet they are all we have to honor a life so extraordinary, so impactful, and so deeply cherished.
Gene was a beacon of light in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. His greatness was not merely in his accomplishments—though they were many and profound—but in the way he lived with unwavering integrity, boundless compassion, and an inspiring zest for life. He had a rare gift for making those around him feel seen, valued, and uplifted. Whether through his kind words, his selfless actions, or his ability to bring people together, he left an indelible mark on the world.
His legacy lives on in the countless memories you hold, the values he instilled, and the love that will forever bind you to him. Everyone knew his presence was a gift—a source of wisdom, laughter, and strength that will continue to inspire us all.
In this time of grief, please know that you are not alone. My thoughts, prayers, and support are with you as you navigate this profound loss. May you find comfort in the love and memories you shared with him, and may his spirit continue to guide and watch over you. If there is anything I can do—whether to listen, to share stories of his incredible life, or to offer a helping hand—please do not hesitate to reach out.
With all my love and deepest sympathy,
Fast Eddie Schultz! 🛼🛼🛼🛼
As I read the obituary I was reminded of a poem written in 1904 by Elizabeth
Anne Anderson Stanley.
He has achieved success who has lived well laughed often, and loved much;
Who has enjoyed the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has left the world better than he found it;
Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration;
Whose memory a benediction.
My prayers for your family. He will be remembered.
Gene was my first boss when I worked for Kellwood over fifty years ago. Although working with him for only a few years he became a role model for me for the rest of my life. His incredible character, faith, and dedication to his family left a lasting impression on me. He was truly a “man for others”!
Barb and family,
So sorry for your loss. Gene was a true trailblazer in every sense of the word. His care and passion for the poor will be greatly missed. I will always remember our work on Grasso Plaza and his determination with other leaders that truly paid off. My prayers and love are with you at this time. Sister Gail
Steve:
Please accept my condolences for the passing of your Dad. What an amazing obituary!
May God bring you comfort in knowing what a holy, honorable life he lived.
Dave Donovan
Mrs Murphy, Steve, Peggy, Eileen, Tom, Mark, Dan and your family members. I want to pass on my heartfelt condolences to you for the passing of Mr. Murphy. Gene Murphy was in some ways a larger than life figure but in most ways he was the most selfless person always trying to work for the greater good. You are all the living endowment of what Gene Murphy’s life represented. I am a better person for having known Gene and his family. I am not going to be able to attend the Celebration of his Life because my niece Emily is getting married at the same time. Do know this, my heart will be with all of you even though I will not be there physically. May God’s light shine on Gene and his family.