Lyle Francis Murphy Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at the age of 79, in his current hometown of Mercer.

Born in Compton, Calif., on Dec. 21, 1944, Lyle was a fourth-generation Californian who grew up in Long Beach. He married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth “Mary Beth” Schuette on Nov. 29, 1972, and enjoyed 51 years of marriage, spending their years between California and Arizona.

Lyle's retirement years were spent gardening and completing projects around their beautifully restored home in downtown Mercer, and he coupled that with building model airplanes and cooking. He loved to walk around Mercer, and was often seen at his favorite haunts like Ace Hardware and Walt's Grocery.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; daughter, Caitlin (Mark) Bicker; and his three grandchildren, Amelia, Scout and Dash.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle F. Murphy Sr. and Eugenia Little of California.

Services will be held privately at a later date.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.