Robert E. “Bob” Murphy, Jr. of Beaumont died in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 28, 2012. He was 68 years old.
Born in DeLand, Florida, Bob settled in Beaumont in 1965 with his wife Carolyn to start his career with Brance-Krachy. In 1981, Bob started his own business, Industrial Power & Rubber, or IPR, where he served as the President until his passing. Today IPR has over twenty employees and locations in both Orange and Sulphur, Louisiana.
Bob was a proud father, bragging frequently about his sons, Robert and Billy, to anyone who would listen. He spent most weekdays at IPR's offices. On the weekends, Bob was an avid hunter and loved spending time at Crystal Beach with his family. On Sundays, nothing got Bob more fired up than a Dallas Cowboys victory, although lately his incessant yelling at the television had been replaced by his deafening snore by the middle of the second quarter.
Bob touched many lives with his charming smile, wit and generosity. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and family.
The Murphy family would like to extend a special thanks to Hilda, Julie, Johnnie, Dee, Grant and Mickey for their assistance, love and kindness during the last month.
Bob is survived by the following family members: his wife of over forty-seven years, Carolyn Murphy of Beaumont; sons, Robert E. Murphy III of Los Angeles, California and William J. “Billy” Murphy and his wife Michele of Austin; grandsons, Owen and Kelly Murphy of Austin; mother, Virgie Rowland of Port Acres; and brother, Wayne Rowland of DeRidder, Louisiana. He is also survived by an extended family of current and former IPR employees whom he dearly loved.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Second Lieutenant Robert E. Murphy, a decorated World War II pilot who died serving his country.
A gathering of Mr. Murphy’s family and friends will begin at 4:00 P.M., with his memorial service to follow at 5:00 P.M., Thursday, November 1, 2012, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, the Murphy family requests that family and friends make memorial donations to American Cancer Society, 755 South 11th Street, Suite 212, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
For those who would like to see photos from his life or share their own stories about Bob, please visit Bob’s online memorial at www.bobmurphy.muchloved.com.
