Douglas Ryan “Murph” Murphy

7/9/25

Douglas Ryan “Murph” Murphy, 45, passed away on July 9, 2025, after a long illness. His sudden departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Born on July 1, 1980, in Guymon, Oklahoma, Ryan grew up with a passion for sports and a heart full of kindness. He graduated from Circle High School in Towanda, Kansas, before attending Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. It was at Washburn that Ryan’s love for basketball flourished into an extraordinary collegiate career that left an indelible mark on the university’s athletic history. In addition to his collegiate career,

in Ryan's youth he was accomplished & decorated at halter

showmanship, barrels and poles, reigning, cutting horses & team penning.

As a member of the Washburn Ichabods basketball team from 1999 to 2003, Ryan distinguished himself as one of the program’s all-time greats. He finished his career third in all- time points with 1,654 and fourth in all-time rebounds with 738. His accolades included being named a first-team All- MIAA pick in 2003 and earning second-team honors in both 2001 and 2002. As a freshman in 2000, he received honorable mention All-MIAA recognition. Ryan was instrumental in leading his team to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a national runner-up finish in 2001. He still holds the Washburn record for most career NCAA Tournament points (132) and MIAA Tournament points (154). One of only eleven Ichabods to surpass both 1,000 points and 500 rebounds, he was named team MVP as a senior. Known for his precision and consistency on the court, Ryan connected on 108 of 281 three- point attempts and maintained an impressive 80% free-throw average, hitting 338-of-419 shots. Averaging six rebounds per game throughout his career, he ranked in the top ten across thirteen statistical categories at Washburn. He was inducted into the Washburn Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.

But beyond the stats and accolades was a man whose presence could light up any room. Ryan’s infectious laugh and radiant smile were matched only by his giant heart. He often said his favorite part of basketball was the huddle — “Because you wrapped your arms around each other, made a plan and knew everyone in the huddle had each other's back.” That philosophy extended far beyond the court; it defined how he lived his life—with humility, strength, gentleness, and fierce loyalty.

After college, Ryan built a successful career as a General Manager in the agriculture, dairy & grain industry. His leadership was marked by discipline, focus, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—qualities that mirrored his approach to life.

Ryan cherished his role as a husband to Lisa and father to Anna above all else. In recent years, he became especially intentional about what mattered most: love, laughter, connection, and being present for those he held dear. His devotion to family was evident in every decision he made and every moment he shared with them.

He is also deeply mourned by his mother Ruth Farmer; his brother Bud Neff; mother-in law Susan Cartwright and countless family members and friends from Benton, Garden City & Topeka, Kansas to Burlington, Colorado and beyond.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief at the loss of such an extraordinary man, we honor Ryan by remembering him with joy—through stories shared over laughter, through memories that bring smiles even through tears. He asked us not to dwell in sorrow but to celebrate the life he lived so fully.

May we carry forward his legacy of love, strength, humility—and always remember that we are still part of his huddle.

Services will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to the Wilmont Cancer Center in Rochester, New York in honor of Ryan in hopes that a cure can be found. (Wilmont Cancer Center/Giving/Honor A Loved One/Make a Gift/Comment: In Honor/Memory of Douglas Ryan Murphy c/o Dr. Lauryn Hemminger, Neurologist, Meningioma Research.

To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.