Olen G. Murphy Sr.

**** Services have been made private

Olen Gene Murphy, 71, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2020 at his home in Crosby, Texas surrounded by his family, after a long and brave battle with leukemia.

He was born October 31, 1948 in West Helena, Arkansas to parents Edward Millard Murphy and Maudeena Davis Murphy. He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant brothers. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sandra Liming Murphy, daughters, Jamie Murphy of Crosby, Tx. and Carmen Emerson (Jim) of Jacksonville, Fl., granddaughters Brittany Harlin (Ryan) and Brooke Barrett both from Crosby, Tx., soon-to-be greatgrandchild “Tiny” Harlin, brothers James “Bubba” M. Murphy (Ann) of Vero Beach, Fl., Clyde Murphy (MaryAnn) of Brinkley, Ar., Roy Murphy (Beverly) of Hot Springs Village, Ar., Hughie Joe Murphy (Stephanie) of Hot Springs Village, Ar., many nieces and nephews, many close neighbors and friends and best friends Tom Winters, Bob Ledvina, Jeff Kapsiak, and Michael Chambers.

Olen was affectionately known as “BooBoo” by family and friends. It was a nickname given to him by his granddaughter Brittany when she was 2.

Olen attended Barton High School in Arkansas where he was very popular as the star Quarterback. After graduating, Olen joined the Navy where he served his country for 2 years active duty, 4 Reserve, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and the Viet Nam Service Medal with One Bronze Star. He entered the marine industry as a deckhand on a towboat after his service. He moved up to captain and started teaching at the National River Academy in Helena, Arkansas. His work took him to New Orleans, Louisiana and then to Houston, Texas as Manager of Barge Operations for Kirby Inland Marine where he made many lifelong friends.

Olen was an avid golfer and made two hole-in-ones. He also enjoyed fishing and watching his Arkansas Razorbacks compete in any sport. His biggest joy was spending time with his family on vacations and spoiling his two special granddaughters.

 All Services are private. 

Graveside service and burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: In memory of Olen Murphy, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts.