Dr. John Lester Murphy, 84, of West Monroe, was healed of cancer and met Jesus face to face on January 28, 2021. “Jack” was born on December 9, 1936 in Norfolk, Virginia.

The son of a Naval officer, Jack moved often while growing up, attending Fort Madison Junior High School in Fort Madison, Iowa, and graduating from Oak Harbor High School in Oak Harbor, Washington. An Oak Harbor Wildcat, Jack was known as “the meanest left guard on the Puget Sound” and earned the Inspirational Award from his teammates. He was known to be the first one on the field and the last one off– a statement of his character and commitment to being the best he could be that would follow him throughout his life.

After serving his country as an airman in the United States Air Force, Jack followed in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps and earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa. In private practice for fifty-six years, he also served on the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the Louisiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and was a Member of the Board of the Chiropractic Association of Louisiana.

Known as “Pawpaw Jack” to many, he enjoyed helping out with his grandson’s baseball and football teams and serving game day breakfast to the West Monroe High School football team.

Gifted with a beautiful tenor voice, Jack used his talent to serve his Lord as a member of the First Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir and the men’s gospel group, The Kingsmen. He taught Sunday School to senior high school boys for several years and served as a Sound Foundation sponsor. He was a member of First Baptist Church of West Monroe and the Soul Seekers Sunday School Class. Jack also served as a mentor for several West Monroe High School football players through the Rebel Encouragers ministry of First Baptist Church. His greatest hope was for his loved ones to join him in Heaven through salvation in Christ.

Jack leaves behind his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Phyllis McLemore Murphy; son, Christopher Murphy; daughters, Tamara Murphy Beck, Lisa McClure, and Missy Murphy; grandchildren, Aaron Beck, Molly Perry, Rob Kelsey, Nicole McDaniel, Mindy Murphy, Anthony Murphy, Chelsey Fouche’, Zach Murphy and Reilly WiIlliams; eight great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and his brother, Ronald Murphy and his wife, Phyllis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. L.T. Murphy and Louise Murphy, and son, Shayne McClure.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Kilpatrick Funeral Homes West Monroe with Dr. Mark Fenn officiating. Visitation will be before the service beginning at 9:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes West Monroe.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tim Chittom, Larry Conrad, Shane Debnam, Clyde Jolly, Kenny King, and Jack Ramey. Honorary pallbearers are the Louisiana District Two Chiropractors and former members of The Kingsmen.

Online condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.

Kilpatrick Funeral Home
West Monroe, LA