Robert I. Murphey, 82, Sturgis, died Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be Friday from noon to 9:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Rev. Denzel Nonhof officiating. Burial will be Monday, March 14th at 2:00 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard.

Bob was born August 24, 1928, near White Owl, SD, to Ira C. and Minnie M. (Beehler) Murphey. He grew up in the White Owl and Alkali area. Bob enlisted in the US Army in 1946 and served in Italy. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Sturgis, settling in Sturgis. He went to work for the Anderson Hardware and Furniture Store and later became a partner in ownership.

Bob married Bernice Ziegler August 5, 1954, in Sturgis. They have lived in Sturgis since.

Bob was a member of the Presbyterian Church and sang with the church choir for many years. He was a member of the Olive Branch Masonic Lodge #47 AF and AM and was a past master. He was active in the Hills and Plains NRA, was a member of Sturgis Golden K Kiwanis, and was a member of the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice Murphey, Sturgis; one sister, Thelma Herbst, Kallispell, MT; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ethel and Mildred; and three brothers, Ed, Ralph, and Gale.

A memorial has been established to the First Presbyterian Church.