Published on August 27, 2026 2:59 pm
Last Updated on August 27, 2026 3:02 pm
Chris D. Murphy, age 69, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away at 9:10 am, Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Evercare in Breese, Illinois.
He was born on July 10, 1957, in Flora, Illinois, the son of Russell D. and Marilyn L. (VanDyke) Murphy.
Chris graduated from Flora High School and went on to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering. His education laid the foundation for a career he would take great pride in throughout his life. He spent his work years as a draftsman, designing blueprints for houses and businesses. He had a natural appreciation for structure, detail, and design, and he truly enjoyed the work he did.
Chris was a man of Catholic faith, and his beliefs were an important part of the values by which he lived. He attended Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
In his younger years, Chris loved to play golf, and he enjoyed the challenge and fellowship that came with the game. He also had a deep appreciation for architecture, which made his work as a draftsman especially meaningful to him. He took genuine satisfaction in creating plans that would one day become homes and businesses, and he valued the role he played in helping bring those ideas to life. One project that held special meaning for Chris was designing the plans for his son’s home, something he was especially proud to have been a part of.
Chris also enjoyed his time on the planning committee for Effingham, where he was able to contribute his knowledge and perspective in a meaningful way. He took pride in being involved in his community and appreciated the opportunity to help shape its future. He was always ready to take a drive with his boys, simply to enjoy nature and to marvel at the different architecture they saw along the way.
Above all else, Chris loved his family dearly. He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, and his joy in being with them was unmistakable. Whether through a shared outing, a quiet visit, or time spent enjoying the simple pleasures of life, he found happiness in being surrounded by those he loved. His family was the center of his world, and he gave them his love freely and fully.
Another pastime Chris truly enjoyed was watching NASCAR races. The excitement, speed, and tradition of the sport brought him enjoyment, and it was one more way he found pleasure in the routines and interests that enriched his life.
Chris is survived by his sons, Michael (Ashley) Murphy of Ballwin, Missouri, and Tyler (Beth) Murphy of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri; five grandchildren, William Murphy, Harrison Murphy, Isabella Murphy, Loagan Murphy, and Miles Murphy; and a sixth grandchild on the way. He is also survived by many cousins and friends.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services to celebrate Chris’s life will be held at 7:00 pm, Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville with Gene Birch officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday evening at the funeral home from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chris D. Murphy Memorial Education Fund for the future education of his grandchildren. Contributions may be left at the funeral home.
The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Chris, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.