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MURPHY, BRUCE Bruce Murphy died at home at age 98, in Melrose, after a short illness. He was born in 1916 in Knapp, Texas and grew up nearby with his brothers Lloyd, Glen and Brent. His mother and father ranched some 30 miles west of Snyder in the mesquite country along the Texas Colorado River. Because of hard times in the 30's and to obtain a better education, Bruce spent much of his high school time living with his uncle at Ranger, Texas near Ft. Worth. He entered the United States Naval Academy just prior to the war but ended up in the Army Air Corps as a pilot during WW II. Initially, he was a glider pilot but then moved on to flying B24's, B17's, B25's and C49 transports throughout the United States during the War. He and Helen were married in Albuquerque in 1942 and after the War, they moved back to Snyder where Bruce worked in the oil field as a geologist. Their son Michael was born in 1944. Bruce, Helen and Michael moved to their ranch at House, NM in 1949 and then to Melrose in 1959. The family still owns the ranch at House, and Bruce continued to operate it along with his son Michael and Jimmy Snipes of House. Bruce enjoyed family reunions in Texas, friends in Melrose and House, cutting wood, walking and working cattle. Bruce and Helen were able to acquire a mountain property in the middle of the Santa Fe National Forest near Las Vegas, NM where they spent many good summers in their retirement. Many world situations were debated there, but no world problems were resolved. The family still enjoys summers at "Murphy Meadows", as the property came to be known over the years. Bruce lost Helen in 2012 after 70 years of marriage. He is survived by brother Brent and wife Pat Murphy of Snyder, Texas; son Michael and wife Melissa of Albuquerque; granddaughter Patricia Murphy; great-grandson Bruce Murphy Rehn; two step-grandchildren, Heather Smartt and Heidi Smartt; two step-great-grandsons Kyan and Liam; and nieces, nephews and cousins, mostly in West Texas. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, March 13 at the Melrose Methodist Church with Rev. Sherman Martin of House conducting. In lieu of flowers, donations to the First United Methodist Church in Melrose would be appreciated (P.O. Box 368, Melrose, NM 88124). Arrangements are under the care of Steed Todd Funeral Home and Crematory, 800 E Manana Blvd Clovis NM (575) 763-5541.
        Published on: Tue March 10, 2015