A wonderful man lost his battle with cancer today, October 26, 2017. Ben Murphy - Big brother to 6 younger siblings; Dad to 4 sons & 2 daughters; ‘Pete’ to all of his cousins; and Uncle & Grandpa to many, many nephews, nieces and grandkids, not to mention nephew to his remaining aunts: Beulah, Violet & Emily.

Benjamin George Murphy was born April 29, 1947 in Rosebud, SD to Velma (Stead) ‘Deetz’ Murphy. His adopted dad, John M. Murphy, started him on his pathway to sports beginning with softball in Dugway, UT ant 7 years. He started out playing right field, shortstop and 2nd base (his favorite) and even pitched a time or two. He kept up playing baseball until switching to coaching t-ball for his own kids, nephews, nieces and community. Multiple ankle injuries finally forced him out of the game. Next, he took up golf and was on a four-man team with his son Narcisse Brave and good friends Everett Bordeaux & George Bordeaux. Apparently, they played as often as work and the weather would allow. In the last few years, he got into a dart league with his daughter, Dani, and many friends, all sharing a few beers and laughs.

Ben, with his brothers and sister, grew up and travelled the world as Army brats, thanks to his mom and dad, Chief Warrant Officer II, John Murphy. He was used to coming and going to new schools every 2-3 years. He graduated high school in Orleans, France. He followed his dad & uncles and joined his cousins, enlisting in the US Army for three years during the Vietnam Conflict. He eventually returned to school at Sinte Gleska University, working for his teaching degree. He retired after 20 years at St. Francis Indian School and 18 years at Todd County Middle School.

Ben was happiest spending time with his family, his kids and their kids: Narcisse Brave, Danielle Murphy, Pascal & Rocky Two Elk, Ben ‘Little Man’ Murphy and Leslie (Squires) Murphy. He was ‘Big Brother’ to Evie (Mick Harris), Mike (Kathy), Pat, Dan (Denise) and Tom.

He was preceded in death by grandparents: Eva F. & Ben Stead and Matt & Mae Murphy; parents John & Velma Murphy; wives: Francine Two Elk, Norma Brave & Cheryl Running Bear. His battle with cancer was quick and painless, but very debilitating. We are at a loss without him, but he will be remembered with laughter and caring by a large extended family. The lessons he taught us were to work hard, study hard, always do your best, family comes first, hold your head up & never forget that God is always in your corner.

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