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John “Art” Arthur Murphy

April 14, 1945 –
 October 10, 2022

Obituary

John “Art” Arthur Murphy

Richardson, Texas

April 14, 1945 – October 10, 2022

U.S. Air Force Veteran

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John “Art” Arthur Murphy, of Richardson, Texas, at 11 pm on Monday October 10, 2022. While our hearts are hurting, we know that he is no longer in pain, and for that, we are thankful. John will be remembered by all as being a generous public servant for much of his life, and for his infectious smile and concern for others.

Though John spent much of his adult life in Texas, he was always proud of his Ohio roots. The son of George and Dorothy (McKinstry) Murphy, he was born on April 14, 1945, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and lived there until he graduated from Mount Vernon High School. John was very much loved and survived by his wife, Eileen Lutan, his daughters Amber Baudendistel and Christine Childers, and eight grandchildren Nolan Wayne Moore, Aiden Wayne Moore, Timothy William Childers, Abigail Joice Childers, Eleanor Joan Childers, Henry Arthur Childers, Luciella Rose Baudendistel, and Theodore Arthur Baudendistel.

John was proud of his military service with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served from 1968 – 1972, and frequently recounted stories of life in uniform. Those who saw him often know that he loved to wear his Air Force hat, and he was always quick to make a detour to a military landmark when he was driving through an area.

John was equally proud of his time at Ohio University, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta, and graduated with a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. His time with Phi Gamma Delta was impactful, and he continued to talk about his fraternity brothers often.

After his military service and time at Ohio University, John moved over to the business world, where his magnanimous personality helped him build teams and community. John worked in the oil and gas industry as a Rate Manager for Southern Union Company, retired from managerial positions including Vice President at Bank of America in 2001, and was President of Max Impressions, Inc., a printing and graphics communications company.

Perhaps John’s greatest legacy is that of a lifetime of public service. John served the City of Richardson for 29 years, simply because he loved his city and wanted to help it be the best it could possibly be. John’s impact across Richardson and North Texas was profound. He served 10 consecutive 2-year terms (1991-2011) in Place 3 of the Richardson City Council, where he worked to improve the city for all in Richardson. John’s commitment to Richardson and selfless service was recognized during this time, and he served 12 of these years as Mayor Pro Tem.  John championed events such as the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival, The Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, four DART Rail Stations, and countless number of revitalization and improvement projects. John went above and beyond, working tirelessly to make Richardson a wonderful place to live, a dynamic place to do business, and home for outstanding cultural and recreational opportunities.

John also represented the City of Richardson in the Texas Municipal League Region 13 in 1998-2002, serving in the Board of Directors, and held the positions of Secretary, Regional Officer, and Vice President.

John represented the City of Richardson in the North Central Texas Council of Governments from July 1993 – May 2011, held various positions including serving in the Executive Board as President in 2008-2009.

John served in the Regional Transportation Council representing the cities of Richardson, Addison, Wylie, Sachse, Murphy in 1993-2011 and as Chairman in 2001-2003.

After his time on the city council, John continued to serve North Texas and the City of Richardson in the North Texas Municipal Water District in 2013-2022. He served on various committees, including the Legislative Committee for 6 years, where he served as Chairman for 2 years.

John’s lifetime of service was significant and impactful. Even outside of public spaces, he was always looking to serve others. To teach someone a new skill, advocate for people without a voice, or help someone with anything and everything. If you ever asked John if he would (fill in the blank), you almost certainly were treated to a big smile and his, “sure, I can do that.” He mentored anyone who asked and had a way of understanding what someone needed to succeed. And you could be assured, John would always give them more than they needed to succeed.

Though John will be remembered by many for his decades of selfless public service, his family and friends will remember the quiet, every day love that John showed them. He enjoyed reading and sharing history books, traveling with friends and family, and watching a good baseball or football game with his favorite people. John loved to try new places to eat, always on a quest to support small businesses. He especially loved anyone that could cook a good steak or bake an Italian Crème layer cake. But what he really loved the most was just time with his loved ones. He could get lost in conversation for hours on end, and anyone who has spent time with him knows that his quick wit and laughter would draw you in and captivate you. Even in his last days, he was making life better for those around him – breaking up their day with a joke or a laugh. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren and was always showcasing pictures and telling of their latest accomplishments. If John loved you, it was with all that he was – he would follow what was going on in your life, make ways to pave the path ahead, and would always make time to call and check on you – even when he was very busy. His friends and family were his greatest treasures, and he would go to the ends of the earth to make them happy.

John was a shining example of a person who cared for his country, his state, his local community, and his friends and family. He loved all these things and all these people without reserve. His generous nature, joyful laughter, and servant spirit will be missed tremendously.

John was a member of First United Methodist Church in Richardson, Texas, where a Memorial for him will be held on November 10, 2022, at 2 pm, with Pastor Clayton Oliphint officiating. His memorial service is open to the community. The address for the church is 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080. At a later date, John will be buried at Mound View Cemetery in his hometown of Mount Vernon, Ohio.

    Bill Buckham
    28 Oct 2022
    11:08am

    I am a friend from John’s Mt. Vernon. Can you let me know when he will buried there?

    Thanks.

    Mike and Ronnie Vandeberg
    28 Oct 2022
    2:57pm

    Mike and I loved Art. I knew him in high school and Mike knew him before we met. Both men enjoyed spending time with Art’s Aunt Pearl. We always looked forward to talking with him and will miss that opportunity. His life sounds happy and meaningful. All we can ask. ❤️

    Billye Sue Todd Newton
    29 Oct 2022
    5:22am

    What a beautiful recount of such a meaningful life of love and service. I’m so sorry for your loss but rejoice with you for being able to live and share in such a life. Surly the Lord will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” We all can rejoice in the plan of salvation and knowing that the love for us from our Savior includes the plan to see Art again. Thank you Lord for the promise of the time of no more tears and separation. There are countless many sharing in your grief. Let us all be counted at Your table.

    mabel simpson
    1 Nov 2022
    12:38pm

    To Eileen, Amber and Christine,
    Your husband, and father was a great man, and so very well respected. He was a good friend and it is an honor to hold him up with great accolades as he deserved each and every one.
    We will miss him, and pray for your peace going forward without him.

    Arthur Baudendistel
    1 Nov 2022
    11:49pm

    My wife and I met him when he came here to Sacramento last year to meet his daughter’s new in-laws. I’m so glad he made the trip out here when he was still capable. I’m glad he saw my physical therapy office and our home in Folsom. He couldn’t thank us enough for any little thing we did for him. And now he and I have a new grandson named after the both of us, Theodore Arthur Baudendistel.

    Joe Farmer
    4 Nov 2022
    1:19pm

    I served with John on the North Texas Municipal Water District Board for a number of years and I always respected his opinion. John was always friendly, understanding and focused on the best interest of the District. I consider him a friend in service. He will be missed. Our deepest condolences to the family.
    Joe and Judy Farmer.

    Mary Bedosky
    9 Nov 2022
    10:10pm

    Wow. What a wonderful man and friend. He and my late husband Matthew were close friends and shared a love of cigars. My thoughts are with our friend Eileen and his kids and grandkids. What a wonderful example of a life of service. Thanks for sharing him with us!!

    Mary Bedosky

    Sue McDonough Steinmetz
    14 Nov 2022
    11:05pm

    I was Artie’s 1st cousin. My mother & Art’s dad were brother and sister. Whenever he visited Mount Vernon, we would share stories and updates about our families. He would come for his class reunions every 5 years and he really enjoyed his time with former classmates. May he Rest In Peace. I will miss his visits.

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