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1936-2026
DAMASCUS -- Gail H. Murphy, 89, passed peacefully, Saturday evening, July 18, 2026, at Crandall Medical Center.
Born on Nov. 4, 1936, in Salem, Ohio, he was the son of the late Donald W. and Betty L. (Ernest) Murphy. He was a graduate of Salem Senior High School, Class of 1954, and the Salem Trades Extension, where he continued to build the foundation for a lifetime of practical skill and service to others.
In 1954, Gail enlisted in the United States Army and received training at the U.S. Army Signal School in Ft. Gordon, Georgia. As a Field Radio Repairman, his military service took him to Ft. Devens, Massachusetts, Thule Airbase in Greenland, and Camp Drum, New York. He served honorably until his discharge in 1957, carrying with him the discipline, knowledge, and dedication that would later serve him well in civilian life.
Returning to Ohio, Gail married Donna Lou Gault on Feb. 15, 1957. Together they made their home in Damascus and were blessed with four sons. Their marriage spanned 58 years until Donna's passing on April 22, 2015. Gail cherished his role as husband, father, and provider, and he devoted himself to ensuring that his family was always well cared for. He took great pride in his home and in the life he and Donna built together.
For most of his career, Gail worked as an Electrical Control Systems Designer. He was employed first with Electric Furnace, then with E.W. Bliss Company, and later retired from Precision Machine Controls, where he completed 18 years of service. Gail was certified as an associate engineering technician through the Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technicians. For several years, he served as a vocational instructor for Salem Trades Extension, where he taught engineering drafting and industrial electricity.
In the evenings, Gail continued to make use of the skills he had developed through his Army training by operating Damascus Electronics from his home. There he specialized in equipment sales and in the repair of television, radio, and stereo systems.
Gail was active in community and church life throughout his years. He was a lifelong member of the Damascus Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as a fireman, communications officer, and EMT. In his leisure time, he found enjoyment in tying his own flies for fly fishing, leathercrafting, woodworking, making hook rugs, and watching his birds and hummingbirds. These hobbies brought him satisfaction and reflected his patience, creativity, and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
Above all, Gail found his greatest joy in being surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren. He was loving, caring, and kind, and he will be remembered by many for his friendly disposition and his gift for conversation. Gail had a way of making others feel welcome, and he never met a stranger. His warm smile, easy manner, and genuine interest in people left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Gail leaves to carry on his memory, his sons, Darrell (Kristina) Murphy of Portsmouth, Donald (Kimberly Izenour) Murphy of Damascus, and James (Patricia) Murphy of Salem; 11 grandchildren, Andrea (Ryan), Jessica (Ryan), Ashley (Marcus), Casey (Jarod), Ryan (Heidi), Kole (Abby), Morgan, Kaylee, Allyssa, Allison, and Erin; four great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Maverick, Wyatt, and Harper; and sister-in-law, Rhonda Murphy of Malvern.
In addition to his parents and wife, Gail was preceded in death by his son, William Murphy, and his brother, Phillip Murphy.
Family and friends will be received Friday, July 24, 2026, from 10 until 11:45 a.m. at the Damascus Methodist Church, where a funeral service will follow at noon, with Pastor Jon Long officiating. Interment will follow at the Damascus Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Damascus Methodist Church, 300 Valley Rd., Damascus, OH 44619, or to Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 356, Damascus, OH 44619.
The family would like to express their appreciation and thank the staff at Crandall Medical Center and Aultman Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Gail and his church family for all the love, prayers, and cards.
Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
To view Gail's obituary and send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.
7/21/26