Thomas “Tom” Gregory Murphy, age 37, of Durant, died unexpectedly on April 14, 2026, in Durant. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial gathering/celebration of life will be held from 5–8 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at the Durant Community Center, where we will share stories of Tom’s life. In lieu of memorials, Tom’s family would request donations be made in his name to Pets for Vets. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Tom was born Oct. 29, 1988, in Davenport. The youngest of four children, Tom was ever the entertainer; he was charming, outgoing, and a passionate storyteller. He attended Durant schools, where he participated in a variety of sports and activities, including wrestling, football, baseball, choir, and theater. Tom graduated from Durant High School in 2007 and within a year joined the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country in Iraq and supported his fellow Marines in the years after his service. For many years, Tom worked for River Valley Cooperative to help support farmers in all aspects from planting to harvesting. He loved working with his colleagues and customers, helping many farmers in his off time.
Tom will be remembered for his contagious smile and laughter, and his passion for helping others. He was a passionate man whose kind heart touched the lives of everyone who knew him. A proud self-described redneck, Tom loved to spend time outdoors—on the river, in the woods, under the stars. He spent time fishing, trapping, and hunting, as well as having fun boating or jet skiing on the river. Tom was almost always accompanied by his trusted dog, Tater, who had a loving and outgoing personality to match. He was rarely a man of few words, kept a song in his pocket, and knew how to one-up a story with the best of them. Tom also liked to grill and smoke meats, sharing his tasty and sometimes questionable creations with others.
Like many veterans, Tom struggled with substance use, a challenge that affected many aspects of his life. Despite these struggles, he brought warmth to many with humor and compassion. Let us channel our grief into kindness, reaching out to friends or family who may be struggling.
Tom will be missed by his parents, Becky Rosfjord and Tim Murphy, of Durant; his siblings, Bryan Murphy of Durant, Angie Murphy of Cuba, Mo., and Christina (Ryan Chavka) Murphy of Washington, D.C.; as well as his grandmother, Virginia Sanders of Silvis, Ill.; many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends; and his beloved dog, Tater.
He is preceded in death by his stepfather, Merlin Rosfjord.
Custom obituary