Daniel Arthur Murphy

Daniel Arthur Murphy passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the age of 91, with family members present at his bedside.  He was born in Spalding, Nebraska in 1931 to Jerome and Helen Murphy.  Daniel is survived by Ellen Murphy, his wife of 68 years; their son, Michael Murphy; daughter, Ann Murphy; son, Patrick Murphy and wife, Jolyn; son, Martin Murphy; son, Paul Murphy and wife, Helen Myers; daughter, Rebecca Ahearn and husband, Greg; and daughter, Christine Grant.  He is also survived by grandchildren Andrew Murphy, Aaron Murphy, Gavin Grant and wife, Jesse, Simon Grant, Kathryn Dallimore and husband, Greg, Christian Murphy, Isabella Romano and husband, Josh, Katie Harkins, Jack Ahearn, and Morgan Ahearn.  He is also survived by great-grandchildren Noah, Quinn, Reed, Maximillian, and Cecilia.  Daniel is predeceased by his daughter, Maureen Harkins; mother and father, Helen and Jerome Murphy, and brothers, Jim Murphy and Jack Murphy.

Daniel was proud to serve his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1956.  He was recruited from college by Sandia National Laboratories in 1958 and moved to Albuquerque with his wife, Ellen, where he has resided since.  He retired from Sandia in 1994 as a Senior member of the Technical Staff having enjoyed a 35-year career.  During that time, his work included duties as Project Leader and Program Manager for weapons-related design, development, testing, and production.  He traveled extensively for Sandia throughout the United States, and participated in one of the last successful, near-space nuclear tests in 1962 on Johnston Island in the North Pacific Ocean.

He was an avid game hunter and fresh-water fisherman, and was wearing out his 5th bass boat during his final fishing trip this June with his sons.  As a talented and expert billiards player, Daniel won several medals in the state Senior Olympics 8-ball pool championships and played his last game of pool with his dear friends at the Palo Duro Senior Center on Monday, two days before he passed.  He was open-minded and compassionate. He is remembered for his sense of duty, his sense of humor, and his dedication to his family.  He is much loved and will be forever missed.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends and caregivers who kindly provided support during these last months of his life.

Viewing and Visitation to be held at FRENCH-Wyoming on Oct 3rd at 2:00 PM.  Rosary at Our Lady of Annunciation Parish on Wednesday, Oct 4th at 10:00 AM, followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Burial at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 PM on Thursday Oct 5th.