April 14, 1941 – March 13, 2026

Darrell Wilson Murphy, 84, passed away March 13, 2026 at his Grass Valley home.

Darrell was born April 14, 1941 at Jones Memorial Hospital to parents Walter Beverley “Bev” Murphy and Claire Sarah Berryman (nee Whiting).

After graduating from Nevada Union High School in 1959, Darrell served in the US Army from 1961 – 1964 and received an honorable discharge as a SP5 Personnel Specialist.

Darrell met the love of his life, Lynn “Lennie” Mae Phillips, and they were married May 7, 1977. The two were inseparable until she passed away May 3, 2009.

Darrell was a member of the Union of Operating Engineers Local 3. He loved and was proficient working with many kinds of heavy equipment. He enjoyed hunting, restoring old cars, welding, and felling trees. Darrell was happy to lend a hand to anyone who needed assistance. He was an eager volunteer at First Baptist Church and was proud to help repair the church fountain. Darrell met often for breakfast at Humpty Dumpty Kitchen with church member friends he affectionately called “The Old Geezers Club.” The group enjoyed camaraderie at the church as well when they performed clean-up, maintenance, and anything else that needed attention.

Darrell is survived by his sister Marian C. Jewett (nee Murphy) and brother-in-law Richard C. Page; children Melinda Herschbach (nee Murphy) (Brian), Joseph Murphy (Ann), Wayne Hatch (Leslie), Brian Hatch (Megan), and Brenda Esty (nee Hatch) (RJ); grandchildren Kyle Herschbach (Katia), Megan Parks (Andrew), Sean Murphy, Ben Hatch, Lindsey Nazar (Kam), Toby Hatch (Aubrey), Neysa Fowler (Jeshua), Melissa Hatch, Rebecca Sperling (Nick), Brittany Hatch, Jason Santisteven (Christy), Angie Klekar, Jessie Santisteven (Jennifer), Kelsey Quakenbush (Chris), Kaitlin Esty, Ashley Esty, and Robert Esty. Darrell is also survived by 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who miss him terribly.

Darrell was predeceased by his parents Walter and Claire, wife Lennie, sister Beverly Page (nee Murphy), and brother-in-law George A. Jewett.

In lieu of condolences or flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church or City of Hope cancer research and treatment centers.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church of Grass Valley at 11am on April 24, 2026. The family requests instead of dark attire, please dress for Hope & Joy.