Elton Lester Murphy

Elton L. Murphy, age 100 of Miamisburg, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 14, 2024 at Kingston of Miamisburg. He was born Christmas Eve December 24, 1923 in Lawrenceville, Ohio to the late Charles and Olive Mae Nawman Murphy. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Normadean Murphy, their young son Craig Alan Murphy, sisters Reva Murphy Shultz and Kara Murphy Knight, and son-in-law David Daily.

Elton is survived by his two children, Vicki Daily (Miamisburg) and Chris (Linda) Murphy of Atlanta, his four grandchildren Jason Daily and Krista Daily both of Miamisburg, Dr. Jen Murphy (Michael) of Madison, NJ and Liz Murphy (Arvid) of Atlanta. Great grandchildren include Damian and Dominique (both of Miamisburg); and Amelia (Madison, NJ) whom he met the week before he passed away. He is also survived by numerous family and friends.

Elton grew up in DeGraff, Ohio and graduated from DeGraff High School in 1941. He served in Italy in WWII in the US Army Air Corps from 1943-1945. In 1945 he was awarded the Soldier's Medal for his heroic actions in Italy on May 28, 1944. A wartime clipping from his local newspaper stated that "Corporal Murphy, observing a heavy bomber crash several miles from the Allied airfield, rushed to the scene of the accident." The article recounted according to the official citation "Heedless of the intense heat from the burning aircraft, with complete disregard for his personal safety amid a hail of bursting ammunition and under the constant threat of explosion, he successfully helped in rescuing three crew members from the wreckage. By his outstanding courage, in risking his life to save the lives of others, this man has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America."

After returning from his service in WWII he met and married the love of his life, Normadean Evilsizor, on August 31, 1946. He attended Ohio Northern University on the GI Bill, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. He continued post-graduate study in chemical research at Ohio Northern University, leading to a position in chemical research at Monsanto's Mound Laboratory/Atomic Energy Commission in Miamisburg, OH. He retired in 1986 after a decades long distinguished career at Mound's "Secret" Laboratory.

Elton was a man of many hobbies and interests. He captained the tennis team at Ohio Northern University and was known as the "singles ace" which led to a lifelong love of the game. He and his son were frequent winning doubles partners in local tournaments, and he even subbed on his son's Men's ALTA team several seasons when visiting Atlanta. He continued playing tennis into his early 90's. He was an avid amateur radio operator, lifelong photographer developing his own film, beekeeper, honey and wine maker, gardener and even raised orchids for decades in a greenhouse he built at his home. In his post-retirement years, he became an expert at building desktop computers for friends and family and was more technologically savvy than those decades younger than him.

Elton and his wife were very active members of Parkview Methodist Church, with Elton serving as a weekly usher, Youth Group Leader and Lay Leader. Elton and Normadean were married 57 years. They cherished spending time with their children and grandchildren, including frequent visits with them and attending their many special events. They celebrated their 50th anniversary during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta with family and attended the Opening & Closing Ceremonies as well as many sporting events including the Tennis and Men's Basketball Gold Medal rounds. Normadean passed away in 2003; in her last few years Elton was her devoted and primary caregiver, caring for her in their home by himself with no outside assistance.

Elton celebrated his 85th birthday year with a trip to Italy and France in 2008 with his son and daughter-in-law. It was his first time back since WWII and he wanted to retrace his steps through Italy. He successfully found the Opera House in Naples where he and his fellow soldiers visited on weekend passes. After a three-day long search, he found what had been the American Red Cross building in Foggia, Italy seeking the help of men his age in Italy with his limited Italian and their limited English. He met some of the city officials and they were fascinated with his stories and appreciative of his service. These ventures provided his family with so many wonderful memories. The trip included a visit to the beaches at Normandy which he enjoyed photographing. Honoring his military service, he was a participant in the Honor Flight for WWII veterans from Dayton, Ohio to Washington DC in 2006.

Elton celebrated his 100th birthday on Christmas Eve with family, old friends, members of his church and former tennis competitors. He always had a very positive attitude and was beloved by all he met, including his fellow patients and staff at Kingston. He will be deeply missed and his family is grateful for a life well-lived and well-loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution may be made to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association in his memory, or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held from 10:45 am - 11:30 am on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Newcomer Funeral Home (3940 Kettering Blvd. Kettering, OH 45439). Funeral Service will be officiated by Pastor Darlene Fugate at 11:30 following visitation. Elton will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery (401 N. Miami Ave, Dayton, OH 45449). The family request business casual attire.

To share a memory of Elton or to leave a special message for his family, please click the "Share Memories" button.