Roots in the community helps build family atmosphere

Jeff Murphy knows Southeast Iowa. He 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.

Deciding to pursue a career in the funeral industry, and knowing he would have to venture away from home to get the necessary education, 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. Shortly after the purchase Murphy got busy growing relationships in the community which helped him expand his funeral services business and venture into monument sales as well.

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,” said Murphy.

“We have built our reputation on compassion, dignity, honesty and caring” since purchasing the business over 18 years ago, said Murphy. Those guiding principles, plus his deep connection to the area, provide the motivation to care for families in what is 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. On a broader scale, Murphy is a member of the Iowa and the National Funeral Directors Association.

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 these things are 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 the family connections and relationships will always be the priority. The ability to balance between those connections and continuing to adapt and grow on the foundation that R.K. Crane started so many years ago, is what makes Murphy and his business successful.