Robert was born in Oregon, Missouri on April 19, 1933, and as a young child moved to his adopted home state of Nebraska.  After graduating from Nebraska City High School in 1950, he attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he studied business, was active with Sigma Nu, and cheered for his beloved Huskers.

Bob met Jean Carol DeLong on a blind date and married her June 8, 1954, beginning a lifelong marriage that served as a cornerstone for their entire family.  Shortly thereafter, Bob began his career at Norden Animal Health, where he enjoyed a nearly 40-year career.  Nicknamed "Murph", Bob was known for his passion for business, his conscientious nature, and his great sense of humor.  Bob was most known as a genuine friend and colleague; he had a disarming nature, asked great questions,  was incredibly insightful and had an unbelievable memory.  While in business, Bob was also active in the community, serving as the President of the Lincoln Human Resource Management Association, President of the Administrative Management Society and on nonprofit boards for Junior Achievement, BBB and Chair of the Deacons & Elders at Westminster Presbyterian Church.  After nearly four decades in business, Bob chose to retire as Vice President at SmithKline in Philadelphia (though he maintained the friendships formed throughout his career until his death) and move back to his treasured Nebraska to enjoy life with Jean Carol and their beloved family.

Friends will remember Bob for his love for Nebraska (he oversaw the Nebraska City Scholarship Fund for over 25 years); Husker football (even though legally blind, he could still vividly recount all game-winning plays); and food (butter on everything including chocolate cake, coffee with just enough cream or Jack & water, and no meal was complete without a toothpick). He also loved trips to Vail with family for skiing and fishing and enjoyed live music and tending to a perfectly manicured yard.

In December 2020, Bob and Jean Carol started their last chapter and moved to Montereau in Tulsa to reunite with their immediate family, who had all clustered there.

Survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean Carol, daughter Julie & son Chris (Ben Stewart), and granddaughter Jessie (Manolo Anderson) — all of Tulsa, OK — and preceded in death by his parents, Dayton & Wanita Murphy, brother Dayton "Junior" Murphy, and son, Brian Murphy.  A celebration of life and party, planned by Bob, will be held in Lincoln, NE in the fall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Lincoln Symphony Orchestra or Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City.