Alma Jean (Barnes) Murphy was born February 5, 1931 in Paola, Kansas and departed this life on August 25, 2019 at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by the love of her family, at the age of 88 years, 6 months and 20 days.
She was the daughter of William Joseph and Delpha “Fern” (Brown) Barnes.
Alma spent her younger years in Louisburg, Kansas and graduated from Louisburg High School in 1949. After high school she went on to obtain a degree from Central Business College in Kansas City, Missouri.
On October 20, 1951 Alma was united in marriage with James Bruce Murphy in Louisburg, Kansas and they made their home on the Murphy family farm in Cleveland, Missouri. In 1980, after a fire destroyed their home, Alma and Jim moved to the Drexel, Missouri area. Mr. Murphy passed away on September 19, 2001. After his death, Alma continued to live in the Drexel area. Later, with her health declining, Alma moved to Wellsville Retirement Center in Wellsville, Kansas.
Alma worked for the United States Government as an Executive Secretary for the Marine Corp Finance Center for 40 years, a job she loved and was very proud of.
Alma was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #4347 of Drexel, Missouri, and the American Legion Auxiliary John P. Hand Post #250 of Louisburg, Kansas where she served as Secretary for many years. Alma was also an active member of the Drexel Lions Club of Drexel, Missouri.
In addition to her husband, James Bruce Murphy, Alma was preceded in death by her parents, William Joseph and Fern Barnes; one son, James Patrick Murphy on April 8, 1979; two grandsons, Stevie Friend and Daniel Parsons; five brothers, Sonny Barnes, Jerry Bill Barnes, Gib Barnes, Ronnie Barnes, an infant brother, Jimmy Barnes; and one sister, Annie Pfannes.
She is survived by two daughters, Kelly Smith and husband Jack of Spring Hill, Kansas, and Terry Ann Harrison and husband Todd of Cleveland, Missouri; one brother, Kenny Barnes and wife Sherry of Louisburg, Kansas; six grandchildren, Jessica York (Ben), Alissa Smith, Megan Amborn (Jonathan), Karla Wehmueller (Eric), Kirsti Parsons, and Trent Harrison (Katie); ten great grandchildren, Gavin, Sydney, John Patrick, Josephine Grace, Faith, Ephraim Lee, Donna Joy, James, Jesse Paul and Abram Harvey; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
The family of Alma Jean (Barnes) Murphy will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. followed by Funeral Services at 11:00 a.m., all on Thursday, August 29 at the Louisburg Baptist Temple, 6961 W. 271st Street, Louisburg, Kansas, with Pastor Jack Smith officiating. Casket Bearers will be Ben York, Gavin York, Jonathan Amborn, Gerry Divelbiss, Mike Pfannes, Nick Pfannes, Andy Pfannes, John Conner, Tim Barnes and Billy Barnes. Honorary Bearers are Jack Smith, Todd Harrison, Kenny Barnes, Eric Wehmueller and Trent Harrison. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Louisburg, Kansas with Monsignor Robert Bergman officiating.
In memory of Alma Jean (Barnes) Murphy, contributions may be made to Antioch Community Baptist Church, 22668 S. Waverly Rd., Spring Hill, Kansas 66083 or Stevie Friend Memorial Scholarship Fund at Midway High School, 5801 MO-2, Cleveland, Missouri 64734.
4 Messages
So sorry to hear about your loss. Alma and I were so close for many years while we worked and rode to work in the same carpool. She was such a beautiful woman and we had many good times together. We also enjoyed playing cards with her and Jim.
May your memories of happy times with your Mom bring you peace and comfort. I don’t remember a time I didn’t know Alma Jean. So many stories about the carpool expedition to and from Richards Gebaur (with my Dad driving the carpool). Alma was instrumental in helping me apply for a job at the Marine Corps Finance Center. Everyone in the building knew who AJ was. She will always be remembered with a smile.
I first met Alma when I was employed by the Army HQ 2nd Region. ARADCOM @ Richards-Gebaur AFB. She was the commanding Generals Secretary. After that unit moved out of state we both started working for the United States Marine Corps. Alma Jean was a wonderful human being with a beautiful soul.
I first met Alma when I was employed by the Army HQ 2nd Region. ARADCOM R-G. She was the CGs Secretary. After that unit moved out of state we both started working for the USMC. A.J. was a wonderful human being with a beautiful soul.
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