Murph was born on October 30, 1955 to Bud and Dee (Kappmeyer) Kirby in Fairbury NE. They lived in various communities across the state during his youth. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1974. On May 7, 1977, Murphy married his high school sweetheart, Cindy Becher.
He began his 40 year career in auto parts as a counter person at NAPA Auto Parts in Arlington, working his way up to manager in Valley and Elkhorn before achieving his dream of owning his own store, Kirby Auto Parts in Valley, where he and his wife Cindy are still in business.
Murph was a member of First Congregational Church UCC in Fremont, Fremont Masonic Lodge #15, Arbor Vitae Chapter #92 Order of the Eastern Star and the Valley Waterloo Nebraska Business Association.
Murph loved all things automotive: repairing vehicles, attending classic car shows and NASCAR races. He was a loyal Nebraska football fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was always up for an adventure.
Murph is survived by his wife, Cindy; three children, Renae (Mark) Brunner of Fremont NE, Thomas Kirby of Fremont NE, David (Tamsen) Kirby of Davenport IA; sisters, Pam Kirby of Fremont NE, Val (Steve) Miller of Fremont NE, brother Doug (Julie) Kirby of Fremont NE and cousin who was like a brother Don (Cindy) Brown of Hastings NE.
Murphy was preceded in death by his parents.
Controlled visitation will be Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont, from 4pm to 8pm. A private family service will be held on Wednesday with a livestream of the service to start at 11am (visit www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com and click on Murph's name ). A memorial fund will be determined at a later date.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
The video of the service can be found at the following youtube link:
https://youtu.be/s2bSUluuX3U
Condolences(19)
Pat Lottman Rogers
Wichita, KS Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Cindy, thinking of you and sending my love. Murph was a happy-go-lucky and teddy bear of a guy. Sending you my love. Pat Lottman RogersBruce Goolsby
Elkhorn, NE Friday, June 12, 2020 My thoughts and prayers are with you Cindy, sorry for your loss. Murph was a warm and great soul.Bob Smith
, NE Wednesday, June 10, 2020 So sorry to hear I worked with Murphy at M & S Napa when were young, many wonderful memories. Cindy our prayers are with you. Bob and Denise Blair NeLaDon Wilshusen
Fremont, NE Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Cindy,I will very much miss seeing Murphy at our weekly WW workshops. He was always so congenial, and I can't remember a time when he wasn't smiling. My deepest sympathy for your loss! You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers
LaDon Wilshusen.
Bill & Martha Boyd
Hastings, NE Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Our thoughts and prayers are with you!Bob and Pat Diers
Fremont, NE Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Cindy and family,We were so fortunate to have such a nice neighbor. We enjoyed Murph so much and will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob and Pat Diers
Bob
, NE Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Dear Cindy,It has always been a pleasure to work with Murphy and to occasionally shoot the breeze (occasionally, very rarely, mostly working very hard though). He seemed to be a gentle soul and a dedicated family man, respected and loved. We will miss him but are better for knowing him. God bless you and your family.
Charles Biscamp
Valley, NE Tuesday, June 9, 2020 I've known Murphy for a long time he was one of the nicest people you could ever meet and I'm glad to have called him a friendPete Rix
Fremont, TX Tuesday, June 9, 2020 Fremont Masonic Lodge # 15 offers our most sinsere and affectionate consolation during this time of sorrow and bereavement.WM Pete Rix
Tracey
Omaha, NE Tuesday, June 9, 2020 I am so so sad and sorry for your loss! Murph was always so easy to be around and so happy. Prayers for you all!Love, Tracey
Lisa Synowicki
omaha, NV Tuesday, June 9, 2020 So sorry for your loss!!Chris Biscamp
Valley, NE Tuesday, June 9, 2020 Murph was of the coolest guys you could of known.Lisa Vogel
Omaha, NE Tuesday, June 9, 2020 It had been a pleasure to answer his calls and assist you at the DC. My heartfelt condolences to Cindy, Rene and your families.Gary and Sherry Ramig
Omaha, NE Tuesday, June 9, 2020 Very sorry for your loss.Debbie Jokumsen
Fremont, NE Tuesday, June 9, 2020 Cindy and family, you have my sincerest sympathy on the death of Murphy. take comfort in the fact that he rest in gods arms and smile because he lived.Barbara
Fremont, NE Monday, June 8, 2020 So sorry to hear of your loss. Although, I didn't know him well he always waved when I saw him in the yard. May God comfort you and your family.Tom and Barb Hoesing
Mike & Kayla Petersen
Fremont, NE Sunday, June 7, 2020 Cindy our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief, let us know if you need anything!The Petersen's
Jim Rowe
Elkhorn, NE Sunday, June 7, 2020 My deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. Blessed is he who has family and friends that loved him. He will ALWAYS be watching over each and everyone of you, Until you meet again. My God Bless each and everyone of you.Murph,
You will be missed by many. You were always a happy go lucky guy.
We had many conversations about Mustangs. Automobiles were in your blood.
Great guys like you only come along once in a while. It was an honor to call you Friend !
Jim
Dawn Larson
Yankton, SD Saturday, June 6, 2020 Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this difficult time.