Murphy Joseph Abshire, 73, of Port Neches, Texas, passed away on October 15, 2025, in Port Arthur, Texas.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 20, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Port Neches. Officiating will be Reverend Jim McClintock. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Cemetery in Port Neches.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being recited at 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Melancon Levingston in Port Neches.
Born in Crowley, Louisiana, on March 7, 1952, he was the son of Darwood Abshire and Dorothy Hanks Abshire. At the age of 19, Murphy came to Texas to find work in the local oil industry. For 48 years, Murphy worked as an instrument/analyzer technician starting with Texaco and finishing his career at Indorama, retiring in 2022. He left behind a legacy of a strong work ethic and knowledge that set a standard within the company. In addition to his professional achievements, Murphy proudly served in the United States Army Reserves. His time in the military reflects his dedication to service and his desire to contribute to the safety and security of his country.
Murphy lived a life full of love, laughter, and service. He grew up on a small farm in Crowley, Louisiana, where he spoke fluent Cajun French for most of his young life and learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that guided him throughout his life.
He spent many years coaching his son in baseball and playing in an adult softball league, creating lasting friendships and memories. For 15 years, he proudly watched his daughter dance, never missing a performance. As his family grew, his greatest joy became his grandchildren — coaching and cheering on his two grandsons in baseball and soccer and beaming with pride as his three granddaughters danced.
A devoted member of the Knights of Columbus Council in Port Neches, Murphy gave freely of his time and talents, helping build Tugboat Island, lending his carpentry skills to the Fishorama Captain’s Dinner, and feeding the PNG Indian football team before every home game. A devout follower of Indian football, he rarely missed a game and loved supporting the team and community he cherished.
Murphy loved the outdoors — especially hunting with his son, fishing with his brothers, golfing, and keeping his yard in perfect shape. He enjoyed weekly lunches at Tequila’s with close friends and quiet evenings on the back porch with his wife, Julie, admiring the backyard he was so proud of. He and Julie shared countless road trips and many good times with their beloved dinner club.
Those who knew Murphy will remember his generous spirit, great sense of humor, and unwavering faith. He lived with a true servant’s heart and loved deeply — his family, his friends, and the Lord — and was loved by so many in return.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Darwood and Dorothy Abshire; and his sister, Janet Levy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Julie Abshire of Port Neches; his son, Jared Abshire and spouse, Sarah; his daughter, Megan Mantas and spouse, Alexi; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn Abshire, Vivienne Abshire, Lennon Abshire, Michael Mantas, and Elizabeth Mantas; his siblings, Ray Abshire and spouse, Mikie, Renola Walston and spouse, Ronnie, Loretta Abshire, Dennis Abshire and spouse, Denise, Darlene Barden and spouse, Michael, and Angie Hebert and spouse, Jamie; and numerous other loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Ray Abshire, Dennis Abshire, Charlie Beaugh, Ned Beaugh, Stephen Beaugh, and Don Wright.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the memory of Murphy Abshire to the Port Neches Little League at portnecheslittleleague@gmail.com, MCT Credit Union, or send to venmo at @PortNechesLL.