John Files Murphy Sr., 91, of Cumberland, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Egle House Assisted Living Center, following a wonderful life dedicated to his family and his faith.

John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who provided for his family and was committed to serving his Lord Jesus throughout his life.

Born on July 29, 1933, in Martinsburg, W.Va., John was the son of the late James and Virginia Murphy. He was the youngest of six children – James, Jack, Virginia, Patrick, and Mary, all of whom preceded him in death.

In 1936, the Murphy family moved from Martinsburg to a home on Arch Street in Cumberland, where John graduated from Fort Hill High School in 1951. He met his loving wife of 65 years, Barbara, at a social event at St. John's Lutheran Church, and they married on July 1, 1956. Barbara preceded him in death in 2021.

John and Barbara raised three children and attended Christ United Methodist Church, where both were active in a variety of church activities.

In the 1980s, Barbara and John moved to Barboursville, W.Va., where they attended Lewis Memorial Baptist Church. They returned to Cumberland later that decade.

The couple later attended Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cumberland, where they met longtime friends and volunteered for the church and community.

John served for many years in the U.S. Navy, enlisting in January 1956 as a member of the Mobile Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy – Seabees. After almost two years active duty, he was honorably discharged and returned to Cumberland. His military service then continued as a member of the Naval Reserves for over 25 years, where he retired as the Command Master Chief of the Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion – 23.

An electrician by trade, John worked at several prominent companies in Cumberland, including Celanese and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which later became CSX Transportation. He retired in 1995, but always found things to do. A jack of all trades, John helped family, friends, and his church with many different projects.

John particularly enjoyed bicycling with his close friends, including sections of the Great Allegheny Passage as the trail became complete and the C&O Canal towpath. He also loved building and maintaining model railroads and showing and running the trains with grandchildren and visitors. John was involved in Gideons International, where he served as local chapter president for a time. John and Barbara also enjoyed road trips around the country, particularly to Florida and Branson, Mo.

John is survived by his children, Cindy Chisholm and husband, Dr. Roy Chisholm, of Cumberland; John Murphy and wife, Tammy Murphy, of Cumberland; and Barbara Chaney and husband, Randy Chaney, of Cumberland. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Anna, Matt, Ruth, R.D., Andrew, Jairus, Savannah, and Jenna; four great-grandchildren, Abigail, Eden, Ellie, and Macie (and another great-granddaughter due in January 2025); and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends and family will be received at Cornerstone Baptist Church Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.

Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 13 Honor Guard.

Internment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International at www.Gideons.org.

The family would like to thank the staff of Egle House Assisted Living Center in Lonaconing as well as Dr. Paul Livengood for their care and support.

Pallbearers will be JT, Matthew, R.D., Andrew, Jairus, Matt, Josh and Colton.