Ellsworth L. Murphy, 85

Ellsworth Leo Murphy age 85 of Smith Center, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 3rd 2019. He was born on August 25, 1933 to Leo and Mabel (Bragdon) Murphy in Reserve, Kansas. Ellsworth married his high school sweetheart Shirley Anne Browning in Smith Center on December 27, 1953. To this union five sons were born; Steve, David, Kevin, Darin and Sean.
Ellsworth was a 1951 graduate of Smith Center High School. Hoping to travel the world, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953. Serving his country for four years as a Flight Engineer and Aircraft Mechanic with the majority of his time spent in Texas and Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. With the Korean War nearing an end, he was discharged with a rank of Sergeant on February 7, 1957 one day before his second son was born.
Following his time in the service, Ellsworth obtained a degree in Accounting at Fort Hays State University. Employed by a local accounting firm after graduation and seeking to further his career, he went to work for the Internal Revenue Service in Des Moines Iowa in the Audit department.
He was quickly promoted to Special Agent in Criminal Investigations.
Ellsworth and Shirley raised their family in Iowa where many great relationships were born. He loved the lake, spending family time on the boat nearly every weekend and when it was frozen he could be found ice fishing in his ice house.
Retiring from the IRS and relocating to Smith Center in 1983, Ellsworth and his son Steve opened "Murphy Service and Carwash". Shortly thereafter, Ellsworth was elected Sheriff of Smith County, Kansas on two separate occasions. He loved meeting people and was always willing to lend a helping hand for others. He was a proud member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, sharing the family heritage with his sons. He was a man of high integrity and many talents shown throughout his life with his carpentry and mechanical skills. Building bicycles from scrap parts as a young man to a complete home renovation in his mid-60's. Ellsworth loved working with his hands throughout his life.
His family will mourn the passing of a kind and warm hearted man but take comfort knowing he had a personal relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ.
Missing him dearly are his wife Shirley and their sons, Steve and wife Marlene of Smith Center, David and wife Donna of Atascocita Texas, Kevin and wife Angela of Austin Texas, Sean and wife Shelly of Spring Texas, and son Darin who is deceased. Also mourning his loss are daughters-in-law Kim Murphy and Kym Solly.
Ellsworth is survived by thirteen grandchildren: Michelle Rust and husband Kirby, Stephanie Bainter and husband Kevin, Ryan Murphy, Matt Seeman and wife Cassie and Breckyn Murphy; Joel Murphy and fiancée Courtney Weems, Jordan Murphy and wife Brandi and Justin Murphy; April Murphy, Ashley Murphy and Brandon Murphy; Genevieve Murphy and Myles Murphy. Also eight great grandchildren: Iva, Sydni and Lexi Rust, Madison, Dominic and Jada Bainter, Eli and Easton Murphy. Ellsworth is also survived by his brother Patt Murphy and wife Lynn of Salina Kansas, brother-in-law Lee Schroeter of Topeka Kansas, sister-in-law Carol Limer of Warrenton North Carolina and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Ellsworth often said "Adios", so to a special husband, father, grandfather and friend we say "Adios, you will be missed dearly."
A service honoring Ellsworth's life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday January 12th 2019 at New Covenant Church, Smith Center Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Ellsworth to the New Covenant Church 117 W. Kansas Ave. Smith Center, Kansas 66967 or the American Cancer Society.