Larry Odell Murphy

Larry Odell Murphy, our cherished father known for his intelligent and kind personality, left us and his mortal existence, on July 2, 2026. He was born on October 17, 1938, in Collbran, Colorado, to Theodore O’Dell Murphy and Rose Marie Mestas. He came from a very simple and humble existence, and lived a life filled with a tremendous work ethic, passion and love for his family and work.

In 1961 Larry married Camille Larson in the Manti, Utah temple . Larry and Camille went on to have 5 children. Later divorced. He then married Kathy F. Murphy in 1987. In 2007 Larry retired from Raytheon, where he was an engineering consultant for many of their defense weapon and missile programs.

Larry was an esteemed graduate from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and later earned his MBA degree in Business Management while living in California. His specialty and passion was in aeronautical engineering and design. Although he came from humble beginnings, his mathematical and scientific skills were a shining example of how hard work and acquired knowledge can create a life filled with success and satisfaction. He continued gaining knowledge and was a lifelong learner. He loved reading, learning, and especially world history. His favorite subject was the World War II era where many of his relatives served valiantly. His engineering career was marked with great accomplishments; including working on many defense weapons systems such as the Tomahawk Cruise Missile, Polaris Sub Launch Missile, Trident Sub Launched Missile, THAAD (Theater High Altitude Air Defense) Missile, Space Shuttle Booster Separation Motors, Minuteman III ICBM, SM-1 Standard Missile, and SM-3 Standard Missile.

His legacy, exemplified by his mortal accomplishments and family legacy will continue to inspire and guide us all as our Family Tree continues to grow at a rapid pace. His departure from this earth leaves a void in all of our lives, yet we all find solace in the memories and love we shared for our father, grandfather and brother. We know that his spirit lives on and is continuing on with the next phase of his eternal journey.

He is survived by his children Brett Murphy (Mary), Daren Murphy (Gayle), Melanie Hale (Jerron), Melissa Gray (Paul), stepson, Derek Allred (Michelle), 21 grandchildren, and 27 Great grandchildren, his sister Nancy, and fiancé Dorothy Cavaness. He is proceeded in death by his mother, Rose Mestas Murphy, father Ted O’dell Murphy, former wife Camille Murphy, wife Kathy Murphy and son, Todd Murphy.

There will be a viewing held at Memorial Holladay-Cottonwood Mortuary, 4670 South Highland Drive at 9:30am on July 11. Followed by a family funeral service. Interment at Memorial Holladay Cemetery.