Eugene Thomas Murphy (Bud)

Reliance, SD

1936-37, 1790, Mystic, F-1, Field Ass't Leader
1939, 791, Lightning Creek, F-14, Field Ass't Leader
1940, 791, Lightning Creek, F-14, Leader

From Reliance, South Dakota, comes this month's Who's Who, Eugene Murphy. Enrolled in October 1938 at Pierre, Murphy began his rapid climb to the highest rating given in the Civilian Conservation Corps when he was promoted to Assistant Leader the following April. Six months to become an assistant leader, and just six months after that, October 1, 1939, he was promoted to a leader. To those unacquainted, with the CCC, a "Leader" in this organization, is the title given to a member whose qualifications must consist of the following: initiative, foresight, knowledge of the job, and above all the ability to lead men. He is, in reality, an assistant foreman. Of these qualities, we can say without reservation that Murphy has every one of them.

Murphy had CCC experience previous to his enrollment in this camp. In 1936 and '37 he served six months at Company 1790, Mystic, S. D.

He is a capable truck driver, and under Foreman George Davidson, of the Forest Service personnel he has received superior ratings for his construction work and supervision on the Bismarck organization camp project.

Murphy is a boxer. Scaling in the welterweight class, he displays exceptionally good form for a newcomer in the pugilistic field. A member of the camp's boxing team, he has participated in several Hot Springs fight cards, sometimes winning, and sometimes losing, but always with a true spirit of sportsmanship that always makes him a "winner". . . That's 'Murphy.

Above is from May 1940 Lightning Flashes, Official Paper of Camp Lightning Creek, Company 791.

Eugene Murphy Obituary
Eugene was born Nov. 27, 1919. Our devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather went to be with our Lord on Jan. 20, 2014.

Bud was the third of seven children born to Thomas and Catherine Murphy in Reliance, South Dakota. He left school at an early age to help his dad with the family farm.

As a young man Bud was instrumental in constructing many parts of the infrastructure in the Black Hills of South Dakota as a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp. This includes Harney Peak: the tallest fire lookout in the Black Hills.

While in the CCC camp Bud was skilled in the art of boxing and he was captain of the CCC boxing team. After leaving the CCC he worked for the State Highway Department. At a community dance in Ocoma, South Dakota Bud met Maxine Ditzler, the love of his life in 1942. They married July 26, 1942, and enjoyed 67 years together.

In 1951 Bud decided to move to Montana with a job offer from Maxine's cousin, Theron Fraker, to work at Carter Oil (Exxon Mobile). Bud worked there for 27 years on the coker unit and control tower. Upon his retirement at the age of 61, he filled his days with cars and garage sales, always looking for a good deal. He truly enjoyed working on his autos or one of his five sons' autos or whoever needed help.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents, wife (Maxine), and three siblings.

Bud is survived by three siblings, Colleen (Arnold) Koch of Billings; Peggy (Gordon) Jensen of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; and Babe (Geri) Murphy of Chamberlain, S.D. He is also survived by five sons, Jerry (Mary), of Billings; Thomas (Mary) of Livingston, Mont.; James (Laurie); Kenneth and Joseph, all of Billings. He has 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank the entire staff at Highgate Senior Living and Pam Strong with RiverStone Health Hospice and all the others who provided care for Bud.

Do you have additional information about Eugene Murphy

We would like to included it. Please write or email us at History "at" SouthDakotaCCC "dot" org.