Charles Murphy

Charles Murphy, 84, of Winterset, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Charles was born August 9, 1941, in Winterset, the son of Kenneth Charles and Florence Jane (Kelsey) Murphy. He was the middle of three children, with sisters, Edna Louise and Kathleen. He graduated from Winterset High School in 1959. On December 24, 1960, Charles was united in marriage to June Wakefield. They were blessed with 64 years together.

Charles lived a full and active life. He enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, farming, and was always tinkering, fixing, and repairing things. He was rarely seen without his pipe. In later years, he especially treasured time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed collecting antique toy tractors, cameras, and arrowheads. Charles had many close friends from school and work whom he stayed connected with throughout his life. He and June loved to travel, often vacationing in Canada and even driving the Al-Can Highway to Alaska upon his retirement.

A man of strong work ethic, Charles was bi-vocational. He farmed the family acreage, raised cattle, and commuted daily to Des Moines, where he worked as a purchasing agent until his retirement in 2003 at age 62. Even in retirement, he kept busy with projects around their property.

He is survived by his wife, June; children, Jeff (Diane) Murphy of Des Moines, Beth (Jon) Milledge of Winterset, and Melisha (Randy) Pearson of Winterset; grandchildren, Stephanie George, Brandi Iverson, Kory (Laura) Edwards, Samantha (Nick) McDonald, Dylan (Kat) Martin, Gavin (Lexi) Milledge, Kaleb (Sarah) Pearson, Delaney (Christopher) Blackard, Isaak (Faith) Pearson, and Spencer Pearson; 21 great-grandchildren; his sister, Kathleen (Jacques) Trudeau; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Louise Van Bezey.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 23, at the funeral home with burial to follow in the Winterset Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Oak Grove Community Church.