Ronald L. "Corky" Murphey Jr.

KEWANEE - Ronald Leo "Corky" Murphey Jr., 66, of Kewanee, died at 6:13 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday May 3 at the Kewanee American Legion.  A private graveside burial will be held at Pleasant View Cemetery. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is assisting the family with arrangements.

He was born on January 4, 1959 in Kewanee, the son of Ronald L. and Mary Jane (Abbott) Murphey Sr. He first married Tracy Sauer on April 19, 1978. They divorced and he later married Nickie Dole. They also divorced but remained close friends. She became his companion and caregiver. He is survived by two daughters, Heather (Corey) Reese, and Candis Murphey-Gradert both of Kewanee,  a bonus daughter Crystal (Keith) Richardson of Kewanee, his  five grandchildren, Darian Murphey, Tayiah Murphey, Kyra Patterson, Courtney Gunsallus, and Irene Hart, and has a  great-grandson on the way, his siblings, Kathleen “Louise” Dennison and Peggy DePauw, both of Kewanee, Sherri Swan of Cascade, IA, Wendy Foster of Kansas City, KS and Tammy (David) VerKruyse of Annawan, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Thomas DePauw Sr.

Corky attended Kewanee Schools. He had worked as a bricklayer for 40 years and had worked out of Local 6 and Local 852 and for Murphey and Son Construction, Larry Claeys and Curnyn Construction in Geneseo. He enjoyed going to the casino, going to monster truck and stock car races but he especially enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald L. "Corky" Murphey Jr., please visit our floral store.