Ricky Andrew Murphy, 64, of Park City, Kansas, passed away on June 28, 2026.

Born on July 15, 1961, in Wichita, Kansas, Ricky was the son of Mary Alice (Masters) Murphy-Leigh and Joe Taft Murphy. 

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and leaving things better than he found them.

Ricky spent many years in the aircraft industry, proudly using his A&P mechanic’s license to serve in a career he genuinely loved. His passion for aviation extended beyond his work, and he took great pride in the years he dedicated to providing for his family through a profession that meant so much to him.

He is survived by his devoted wife and the love of his life, Denise “Dede” Murphy. High school sweethearts, Ricky and Dede shared 50 years of unwavering love, friendship, and commitment. Together they built a beautiful family and a legacy rooted in faith, perseverance, and unconditional love. She was his greatest blessing, his closest companion, and the center of his world.

Ricky is also survived by his children, Nicholas Murphy; Sean Murphy and his wife, Emma; and Cheyenne Boyer and her husband, Matthew. He was an incredibly proud grandfather to Iazaic, Aiiden, Austin, Cash, Anthem, Cyrus, Avilyn, Rhea and Rocky. His grandchildren were one of his greatest joys, and he never missed an opportunity to talk about the pride he felt in each of them.

He is also survived by his siblings, Margie Bradley and her husband, Steve; Jodene Wray; Nellie Seleck and her husband, Wayne; and David Murphy and his wife, Angie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Alice Leigh and Joe Taft Murphy; his sisters, Evelyn and Betty; and his brothers, Bob and Bill.

Ricky loved his family more than anything in this world. He often spoke about the legacy he hoped to leave behind and found his greatest fulfillment in watching his children and grandchildren grow. Above all else, Ricky loved the Lord. His faith guided the way he lived, the way he loved others, and the hope he carried throughout his life.

He enjoyed working on cars, riding his Harley, telling stories, listening to music and singing. As well as simply being surrounded by the people he loved. Ricky had a gift for pouring into others. He often said he was “filling up toolboxes,” believing that every conversation was an opportunity to pass along wisdom, practical advice, encouragement, or a lesson learned through experience. If you spent time with Ricky, you almost certainly walked away with something valuable.

He was strong, caring, and never afraid to speak his mind. Whether his words challenged you or comforted you, they always came from a place of love, honesty, and conviction. His laughter, wisdom, steadfast faith, and larger-than-life presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

One of Ricky’s favorite sayings was, “Fail a lot. Fail fast. Learn faster.” It reflected the way he approached life with resilience, determination, and the belief that every setback was an opportunity to grow.

Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Ricky’s legacy lives on through his faith, his family, and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

A celebration of Ricky’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Evidence Church, 11135 W. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, KS 67209. Lunch will be provided at the church immediately following the service. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating the life of a man whose love, wisdom, and faith left an enduring mark on everyone who knew him.