Douglas W. Murphy, 66, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Doug was born on November 24, 1959, in Osborne to Doyle W. Murphy and Dixie Lee Murphy (Huntley). He graduated from Sylvan Unified High School and continued his education at North Central Kansas Vo-Tech, earning his degree as a diesel mechanic.

Doug began his career with General Motors in Kansas City. He later returned to north-central Kansas, where he worked for Heller Farms in Hunter. Over the years, he also took on various side jobs, earning a reputation as a skilled and dependable handyman. After moving to Russell, Kansas, Doug worked for Dwight Oil and Enterprise Oil Company. Eventually, after relocating to Salina, he held various positions before returning to one of his true passions—farming.

On July 23, 1982, Doug married Sherri Rippie and were blessed with four children: Derrick, Kristen, Kyle, and Jordan.

Doug had a deep love for the outdoors. In his youth he was an avid hunter and trapper and especially treasured his fishing and hunting trips to Canada with family and friends. He enjoyed anything fast on wheels, cruising country roads, spending time in the sunshine, commentating at his children’s ballgames, and working on tractors or equipment. Known for his friendly nature, Doug never met a stranger and was often the first personfriends or neighbors would call when something needed fixing.

He was a member of the Hunter, Kansas 4-H Club in his youth and the Masonic Lodge of Sylvan Grove.

Doug is survived by his wife, Sherri Murphy of Salina; his children, Derrick (Lisa) Murphy of Salina, Kyle (Miranda) Murphy of Bennington, Kristen (Ryan) of Bennington, and Jordan (Wyatt) of Vesper; 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who lovingly knew him as “Papa Doug”; his mother, Dixie Hupfer of Salina; his brother, Russell (Paula) of Beloit; his sisters, Renee Foster of Salina, Terri Hupfer of Isleton, California, and Teena Hupfer of Denver, Colorado; and a special aunt, Dina Faye Conn of Downs.

He was preceded in death by his father, Doyle Murphy; his stepfather, John Hupfer; his brother-in-law, Randy Foster; and his brother, Travis Murphy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary. A meal and time of sharing will follow at the family farm.

Memorial contributions may be made to OCCK (1710 W. Schilling Road, Salina, KS) or Fresenius Kidney Care of Salina.