Charles Edwin Murphy

Charles E. “Kayo” Murphy, 92, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the Whitcomb Tower in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 AM, Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Reverend James Whitman officiating. Military Honors provided by North Berrien Military Rites Team will follow the service. Burial will take place at Hickory Bluff Cemetery at a later date. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to leave a condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Kayo was born January 2, 1926 in Blue Creek, WV to Oscar & Bertha (Dawson) Murphy. He was a graduate of East Bank High School in 1943. Kayo went on to proudly serve his county in the United States Navy from November 18, 1943 until he was honorably discharged on January 4, 1946. During his time serving our country in WWII he was aboard USS Goldfinch YMS 306 and the USS Leary DD879. On May 7, 1945 he wed Helen Breedlove in Orange, TX. Kayo worked at the D.C. Cook Plant, American Electric Power for 35 years before retiring in 1988. He was a Senior Reactor Operator and a Production Supervisor. He was an integral part in operating the control room in the 1970’s when the cook plant went online for the first time and produced power. Kayo also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening and raising honey bees. Charles is survived by his sons Richard “Dick” (Jill) Murphy of St. Joseph and Mark (Debbie) Murphy of Stevensville; grandchildren Jason (Mary Ann) Murphy of Grand Rapids, Sean Murphy of Eau Claire, Kate (Cory) Bartz of Stevensville, Daniel (Lauren) Murphy of St. Joseph and Kim (Joe) Battista of St. Joseph; great-grandchildren Caleb Murphy, Charlie Bartz, Jack Murphy, Mason Bartz, and Ophelia Battista and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Helen on November 8, 2012 and his brothers Gerald Murphy, Duane Murphy and Troy Murphy.