Blog Post
Dr. Robert and Shirley Murphy Endowment for Music Education
Robert (Bob) Murphy was born and raised in Rupert, Idaho. His wife, Shirley Ward, was born in Terre Haute, Indiana but was raised in Detroit, Michigan. The two met in the physiology department of Wayne University College of Medicine. Bob had just been discharged as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corp. He joined the department as a teaching fellow and Shirley was a secretary in the same department. Bob loved to say that was where he got a masters and a missus.
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In 1951, the coupled moved to Quincy, Illinois and Bob joined the Quincy Clinic as a specialist in internal medicine. In time, their four children were born - Carol, Robert, Brian, and Kathleen. Those were busy years for the couple. Bob's practice was growing and Shirley was active in the community as a volunteer for several organizations.
In 1987, Bob retired. "No one enjoyed retired life as much as Bob," says Shirley. The couple traveled, volunteered in the community, golfed, played bridge, square danced and Bob played clarinet in the park band and the community band. "Playing music was the most important hobby for Bob," says Shirley.
Music held a special place in Bob and Shirley's heart. That is why, after Bob's passing, Shirley started the Dr. Robert and Shirley Murphy Endowment for Music at the Community Foundation.
"I have known about the Community Foundation since its inception in 1997," says Shirley. "I've followed the Foundation for all these years and the idea of endowment is something that has always resonated with me."
The Dr. Robert and Shirley Murphy Endowment for Music Education will support music education in Quincy, Illinois.
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