Franklin L. Murphy

Franklin LeRoy Murphy, 86, of Spring Township, died August 4, 2009 in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

He was the husband of 43 years to Helen Josephine (Hilt) Murphy, whom he married September 15, 1965.

Born in Reading, PA on August 10, 1922, he was a son of the late Percy and Irene (Stoudt) Murphy.

Franklin was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Reading.

He was an Army Veteran of WWII.

Franklin was employed as a machinist, last working with Zacharis, Bernville for 12 years before retiring in 1987.

He was a member of both the VFW 6150 of Sinking Spring and a social member with the West Wyomissing Fire Company.

Franklin also served as a bartender with the Junior Fire Company.

He is also survived by a step-daughter, Bilette J., wife of Farrell Franks of St. Louis, MO.

Other survivors include seven siblings: Thomas Murphy of Temple; Russell Murphy of Leesport; Charles Murphy of Exeter Township; Mary Jane Simpson of Wyomissing; Rita Lausch of Wyomissing; Patricia Ellis of Hamburg and Keith Wilkes of Bern Township.

There are also three grandchildren: Stephanie M., wife of John Roveda; Robert F. Franks and Kristin B., wife of Ajit Deshpande and two great grandchildren: Ella Deshpande and Lily Deshpande.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two siblings: Robert Murphy and Anabel Wolf.

Services will be held Friday at 1:30 pm in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, with the Rev. Rebecca W. Knox officiating. A viewing will be held Friday from 12:30 pm until time of service. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township. For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com