Joseph Edmund Murphy graduated from High School in San Antonio, Texas. He entered the Navy and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, specializing as a welder. Upon leaving the Navy, he attended the University of Houston and worked at Haliburton. On November 26, 1954, he married Kathryn L. Cross and together they had 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys. In August 1965, Joseph moved his family to the Appelt's Hill Community in Hallettsville, Texas. Later, on December 7, 1998, he married Purita DeLaRosa in Makati City, Philippines and the two of them lived in the Appelt's Hill Community the remainder of his life.

Joseph enjoyed riding horses, farming and ranching and working with his hands. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandson. He enjoyed telling stories about the history of Lavaca County, our family heritage in the area and his life experiences.

Joseph is survived by: wife Purita; 3 daughters, Alice Irene Sands and husband Burley, Jean Elaine Beulah & husband Curtis, and Kathleen Marie Jacoby & husband Archie; 2 sons, Joseph Edmund Murphy III and wife Debbie, and Patrick Michael Murphy; 5 grandchildren, Christine Steinhauser & husband Eric, John Newton & wife Nicole, Jason Newton & wife Linsay, Eileen Newton, and James Murphy; and 1 great grandchild, Jordan Newton.

Joseph was preceded in death by: 1st wife Kathryn Murphy; parents; and sister Bernice Burt.

Funeral Service: 11am, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at the First Baptist Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4pm to 8:30pm Friday at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville. Pallbearers: John Newton, Jason Newton, Curtis Beulah, Eugene Vasek, Arnel Arellano, James Murphy, and Emerson Bustamante. Officiate: Rev. Terry Horton. Burial: Hallettsville City Cemetery.