Ben Clayton Murphy, 86, of Blessing passed away September 27, 2017. He was born February 10, 1931 in Blessing, TX to the late Vernon Clayton Murphy and Pearl Katherine Blackburn Murphy. Ben was a retired farmer and rancher of 50 plus years. He farmed nearly 1,200 acres which consisted of rice, milo, and soybeans. After retiring he devoted his time to his hobbies which consisted of completing puzzles, playing cards, dominoes and spending time with family.

He was preceded in death by daughter Gail LaVerne Born, son Kenneth Clayton Murphy, brothers John B. Murphy and Leonard Murphy and grandson Colton Fitzpatrick.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years Sarah Murphy; daughter Susan Katherine Hornstein & husband Darren of Inez, TX; son-in-law Steven Born of Edna, TX, nephew Marty Lewis & wife Deana of Edna, TX; and numerous other nieces and nephews. grandchildren Christy Crisp (Justin), Jessica Lewis (David) and Chelsey Reeder (Tyson) and great grandchildren Johnathan Garcia, Koa Crisp, Westin Benjamin Crisp, Tierni Hardin, Lilly Beth Lewis, Treydon Reeder and Paisley Reeder.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Sunday at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, October 2, 2017 at the Palacios Funeral Home with Rev. Andy Schroer officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Marty Lewis, James Hebel, Gary Hebel, Marshall Murphy, Darren Hornstein, Howard Compton, Justin Crisp and David Lewis.