William A. Murphy

William Austin “Bill” Murphy, 84, of Waldo, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Bill was born May 6, 1941 in Hays, Kansas. He was one of five children born to L. Earl and E. Bernadine (Fiensy) Murphy. He grew up in the Covert, Kansas area and graduated from Waldo High School in the Class of 59.

Bill met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to C. Marlene Day on October 4, 1959 in Waldo. This union was blessed with three children; Debbie, Rhonda and Brad. They made their home in Salina, Kansas for a short time before moving to Covert. Then a few years later, they moved out into the country near Waldo. Then in 2022 they moved into Waldo.

Bill was a Farmer/Rancher his entire life and sold seed products for over ten years. He also was very active as a school bus driver for the local schools for many years, before retiring in 2019. When they lived in Salina, he worked at a local service station. He was a member and trustee of the Waldo United Methodist Church. He served on the High Plains Farm Credit Board for 12 years, and did data collection for the National Weather Services in Hastings, Nebraska for over 50 years. Bill was a life member of the Waldo/Paradise Lions Club, he served on the Victor Township Board, was a Boy Scout Leader when his son was in Boy Scouts.

Bill had a deep love for sports and rarely missed the chance to cheer on his favorite teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and KU basketball. He especially enjoyed supporting the Natoma Tigers, taking great pride in watching his children and grandchildren play. Farming and ranching were more than just work to Bill—they were a way of life, and some of his most cherished moments were spent working alongside his kids and grandkids.

Bill was known for the way he supported his friends and family and for the joy he brought to those around him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for storytelling. Many will remember the laughter shared while listening to his stories about hunting coyotes, deer, and elk, and the way he could always bring a smile to a room. His love for family, the land, and the people in his life will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bill’s surviving family include his wife of 66 years, Marlene of the home; daughters, Debbie Murphy of Natoma, Kansas and Rhonda Murphy of Waldo, Kansas; son, Brad Murphy (Jenjer) of Waldo, Kansas; sisters, Janice Lund of Waldo, Kansas and Sandy Boldridge (Leon) of New River, Arizona; five grandchildren, Jodi Wayland (Scott), Phillip Murphy (Taylor), Austin Murphy, Jacob Murphy and MaKayla Murphy; and four great grandchildren, Waylon Murphy, Wryatt Murphy, Wiley Murphy and Jemma Wayland.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith Murphy; and sister, Bee Hawley.

Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Waldo United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Natoma City Cemetery in Natoma, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday, March 9, 2026 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established with the Waldo United Methodist Church or Waldo Fire Department. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of the arrangements.