Charles “Murph” Murphy, 86, of Beaumont, died Thursday, March 24, 2011, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth. Born April 28, 1924, in Hope, Arkansas, to Charlie and Bertha Thomas Murphy, he lived in the Beaumont area since 1965.

A true blue fan of John Wayne, Charles would have been a match for the “Duke” any day. In the lives of those who knew and loved him he was a star in his own right. In fact, it could go as far as to say if the Duke had known him in all likelihood it might have been the other way around.

Charles, a World War II and Korean War veteran, retired from the United States Army. He explained his slightly misshapen head as the result of a steel plate placed there after receiving a head wound in the war. Shell fragments abounded in his body, all costly remembrances he carried out of this life with him. His Army career of twenty-seven years, as well as his height of 6ft. 4in., was shortened by diabetes. A double amputee, he fought diabetes almost as long as he served his country.

His battle with diabetes and the resulting wounds turned out to be the biggest, toughest battle of his life. He has met the enemy on foreign soil, has won some battles gallantly and barely survived others. But the last battle, the finale so to speak, was at his home in a place where peace reins supreme thanks to him and other veterans just like him. Charles Murphy, a man who fought for peace for so many others has at last secured it for himself.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Marie Murphy of Beaumont; daughter, Brenda Murphy of Dallas; son, Robert Murphy of Alpine; grandson, Taylour Murphy of Alpine; and half brother, James Huckaby of Hope, Arkansas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 28, 2011, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 4445 Avenue A, Beaumont, with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 27, 2011, at Broussard’s.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, Ohio 44720.