Keith Samuel “Murph” Murphy

Keith Samuel “Murph” Murphy

Washington

Keith Samuel “Murph” Murphy, age 86, of Washington, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Washington County Hospital.

Celebration of life services were held 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2025, at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Alyssa Nantt officiating. Calling hours began at 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the United Methodist Church where the family was present to receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Interment is at Elm Grove Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Avenue of Flags at Elm Grove Cemetery, a project Murph has been a part of since 1981. Online condolences may be sent for Keith’s family at www.jonesfh.com

Keith was born on June 8, 1939, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Samuel T. and Blanche J. (Soukup) Murphy. He attended Cotter High School, graduating in 1957. In the summer after his junior year in high school, Keith attended the auction school in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, graduating at the age of 16. Keith was united in marriage to Sara K. Young on February 20, 1960, in Ainsworth, Iowa.

Keith’s professional life was dedicated to the auction business. He had been an auctioneer since 1956 and a cattle buyer since 1962, first at the Washington Livestock Auction and later at the Kalona Sale Barn. Keith also farmed south of Washington and was a member of the United Methodist Church for 61 years. Keith was active in 4-H and participated in the Washington County Fair Livestock Auction for 69 years, many of which he was Superintendent. He donated his time working many benefit auctions in the area. Despite his busy work schedule, Keith was very interested in his kids’ and grandkids’ activities and attended many sporting events throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife, Sara of Washington, Iowa; his children: Jeff (Carin) Murphy of Ankeny, Iowa; Robb Murphy of Kansas City, Kansas; Rick Murphy of Washington, Iowa; Mindi Johnson of Olathe, Kansas; John (Shawnna) Murphy of Huxley, Iowa; and Mike (Marcy) Murphy of Brighton, Iowa; along with 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers: Gary Murphy of Washington, Iowa and Tom Murphy of Clinton, Iowa; one sister, Judy (Tom) Murphy of Washington, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Marty Young of Washington, Iowa.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Ethan Roy Murphy; son-in-law, Tom Johnson; sisters-in-law, Karen Murphy and Beverly Murphy; and brother-in-law, John Young.