Roots in the community help build family atmosphere at Murphy Funeral Home

Jeff Murphy was raised on the family farm outside of Lockridge. He graduated from Fairfield High School. He did his undergrad work at Southeastern Community College and Iowa Wesleyan. This is his home.

To get the necessary education for a career in the funeral industry, Murphy left the area, but not for long. After his graduation from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville, Indiana he spent some time gaining experience before the draw of Southeast Iowa became very real.

Murphy purchased what is now Murphy Funeral Home and Monument Sales in 2005 from Bob and Rachel Beatty. Today, he attributes the success and longevity of his business to a simple philosophy. “We treat people as if they are a part of our family”.

“We have built our reputation on compassion, dignity, honesty and caring,” said Murphy. Those principles, and his deep connection to the area, provide the motivation to care for families in often the worst time in their lives.

“I have known many of the families we work with for many years, so I feel an extra responsibility to make sure every service is as meaningful and comforting as possible. They have entrusted us, and we work really hard to live up to all of their expectations.”

While working with the families is priority one, working to make the community better is also important to Murphy. He is active in a number of Mt. Pleasant area organizations including a leadership role in the Lockridge Lions Club. He also serves on the board of three cemetery associations and remains very active in his church where he is a Deacon and pianist.

As he reflects on his time in the funeral industry, Murphy notes that there have been a few changes. “Social media has increasingly become a part of what we do.” Murphy acknowledges that it is here to stay but also admits, “it takes some of the personal touch out of it, so it is our job to make sure that family feeling is still there.”

Maintaining family connections and relationships will always be the priority.