William "Bill" C. Murphy

William “Bill” Charles Murphy, 88, of Johnston passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 A.M., Tuesday, May 26, 2026 with a visitation starting at 10:00 A.M., at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale, IA. Interment will take place at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Pius Community Outreach.

Bill was born on July 6, 1937, to Carl and Norma (Stanley) Murphy in Des Moines. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1955. Shortly after high school, he met and married the love of his life, Marie Robison, in 1958. He later attended Drake University for two years before starting his family and beginning a career in electrical wholesale.

Bill spent two decades with Crescent Electric before later retiring from Graybar Electric. Bill always believed in working to live. No matter how busy life became, he was always home for dinner, present at his children’s sporting events, and volunteering to help others.

Retirement never slowed Bill down. He remained deeply involved with his family, friends, and community, always willing to lend a helping hand, share a story, spend time with those he loved most, and gave his time generously to so many he didn't know. His dedication to family, steady presence, and generous spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bill especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. Whether it was late-night card games with the grandkids and children, dance parties in the living room, listening to music together, celebrating holidays and birthdays, or traveling to visit them, those moments brought him endless joy. He loved being present in their lives and created countless memories filled with laughter, love, and togetherness that his family will treasure forever.

Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marie Murphy; four children, Bill Jr. (Julie) Murphy, Linda Murphy Pagnano, Tim (Kelly) Murphy, and Donna (Larry Rude) Murphy; six grandchildren, Angela, Roman, and Thomas Pagnano, Grace (Lucas) HiltzMurphy, Jack (Colleen Doyle) Murphy, and Mabel Rude; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was the last of seven siblings to pass. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Norma Murphy; six siblings, Ray Murphy, Marilyn Gittlin, Carla Faber, Sherry Scalise, Jim Murphy, and Diane Hensel; three nephews, Mickey Robison, David Scalise, Bobby Murphy; and one niece, Michele Galloway.