Francis A. Murphy, 87, of Illiopolis, IL, passed away on April 23, 2025. He was born on September 26, 1937, in Springfield, IL, the son of Francis and Catherine (Kilhoffer) Murphy. Francis graduated from Illiopolis High School and attended Millikin University. He married Suzanne Bauer on December 28, 1963, in Decatur, IL.

Francis was a retired farmer. He was a member of the Resurrection Parish Catholic Church of Illiopolis, a former Knights of Columbus member, a former member of the Illiopolis School Board, where he served as President for many years, and former 4-H leader. He remained a passionate cattle breeder until his death and enjoyed sharing that passion with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne of Illiopolis; daughter Jennifer Day of Lovington; sons Kevin (Rosemarie) Murphy of Beason, Stephen (Jacqueline) Murphy of Forsyth; granddaughters Amanda (Luke) Fritch of Aledo, Emersyn Murphy of Forsyth; grandsons Alec (Alix) Murphy of Illiopolis, Nicholas (Paige) Day of Metropolis, Zachary Day of Lovington, Adam Day (fiancée Cassidy Thomas) of Sullivan, and Quentin Day of Lovington; great-granddaughters Mave Day of Metropolis, Anabel Fritch, Marilyn Fritch and Henley Fritch of Aledo; and great-grandsons Jaxson Day of Lovington, Beckett Day of Metropolis. Francis was preceded in death by his
parents and his sister, Kathleen Royce of Albuquerque, N.M.

A graveside service will be held at Calvery Cemetery in Illiopolis on May 10 th at 3:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at Bunkers in Illiopolis. Memorial contributions may be made to the Agricultural Educational Partnership, which supports the Ag in the Classroom program, via the Sangamon County Farm Bureau, 2631 Beechler Court, Springfield, IL 62703.