Walter W. Murphy, 67, a lifelong resident of Downsville, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Wilson Memorial Hospital of Johnson City, following a short illness.

Walt was born on February 17, 1943 in Andes, the son of the late Sterling and Ella (Shaver) Murphy. He was a graduate of Downsville Central School. He proudly served his country in the US Army in Viet Nam. Walter was a longtime construction worker first working on the dams and the tunnels and later for Cobleskill Stone Company. He was a member of the Downsville Fire Dept. and EMS, Downsville American Legion, Downsville F & AM, ANH Hunting Club and St. Mary's Church.

Walt enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching NASCAR Racing, and tinkering in his garage. But most of all his life revolved around spending time with his grandkids. He most enjoyed taking them to his hunting camp.

He is survived by his loving family, 2 daughters, Brenda (Gary) Brundage, Reno, Nevada; Jennifer (Scott) Barnhart, Walton; a son Sterling (Julie) Murphy, Downsville; "Special Son" Todd Felter, Downsville; his grandchildren which were his pride and joy; Austin, Shannon, Brianna, Courtney, Sarah, Madison and Scotty; brother, Ralph (Mary Lou) Murphy, Unadilla; sisters, Sylvia (Steve) Reed, Hamden; Alfreda (Paul) Doig, Downsville; sister-in-laws, Linda Murphy, Downsville; Sherrie Murphy, Walton; aunt and uncles, Art and Bonnie Shaver, Downsville; and Albert "Hick" and Vashti Murphy, Walton. He was predeceased by a grandson, Tyler Murphy in 1997; 2 brothers, Sterling "Butch" Murphy and James Murphy; and a sister Lois Ross.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Wednesday evening, October 13, 2010 from 6 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton, where a Downsville Fire Dept. Firemans Bell Service will be held at 7:30 PM.

Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday morning at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Shavertown Cemetery, with full Military Honors.

Memorial contributions in Walt's memory may be made to either, Downsville Volunteer Fire Dep. & EMS, 15166 State Hwy 30, Downsville, NY 13755, or the Brandon Reed Scholarship, PO Box 141795, Downsville, NY 13755.