Murphy George Mears was born on March 3, 1936, in Ava, Missouri to parents Floyd and Lora Mears. He passed away quietly at home with his family early on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

He served proudly and honorably in the United States Army from 1955 to 1975. He received his pilot training and flew and Chinook during his two tours in Vietnam. He also received several awards while in the Army, such as The Purple Heart, The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star, and the Silver Star.

After retiring from the military, Murphy attended college and received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from the University of Tulsa. He enjoyed his career as a schoolteacher teaching science. He taught for several years at Liberty Mounds, however, most of his time was spent at Sapulpa Middle School teaching 6th grade. Murphy was a caring and dedicated teacher, who loved sharing his knowledge of science with his students.

Most of all, he was a very devoted, caring, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family was very important to him, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Murphy leaves behind his wife of 71 years Lydia Jean Crenshaw Mears, daughters Yvonne Kay Mears, Brenda Jean Mears and her husband William Dickson, and Leslie Gale Mears, grandchildren Stacey Renee Chambers, Karen Diane Dickson Eichinger and her husband Steve Eichinger, Benjamin Dickson and wife Valerie, and Rachel Matilda Dickson and her husband John Lorenzen, and six great grandchildren Justus, Gage, Emily, Elaine, Maggie, and Nathan.

Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Green Hill Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Westside Freewill Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Green Hill Funeral Home.