Gary Murphy, a beloved long-time educator, dedicated volunteer, and occasional clown from Washington, Iowa, has pitched his final circus tent at the age of 90. Known for his infectious humor, endless costumes, and big heart, Gary spent his life proving that laughter truly is the best medicine.

Gary’s story began in Washington County, born and raised locally before moving in 1948 to a farm near Cotter with his parents, Sam and Blanche Murphy, alongside his younger siblings. Gary’s upbringing was filled with farm chores and questionable country antics.

He proudly graduated fourth in his class at Cotter High School—always waiting a beat before teasingly adding that there were only five students in his class. After a brief, uninspiring stint working at the local valentine factory, Gary enrolled at Iowa Wesleyan College. In a move which his knees regretted for decades, he joined the football team with absolutely zero prior football experience.

Gary found his true calling in education. He began his career teaching and coaching at Mid-Prairie, taught briefly in Ames, Iowa, and eventually transitioned into administration within the Washington Community School District, serving as a proud principal of Lincoln, Brighton, and Stewart Elementary Schools at various times throughout the next three decades. As "Mr. Murphy," he was known for transforming his schools into circuses, zoos, or farms to celebrate school milestones often embarrassing his own children by greeting students dressed as a clown or in his pajamas rather than a business suit.

In his late twenties, Gary embarked on a life-changing six-month International Foreign Youth Exchange (IFYE) trip to New Zealand, and through that experience, he met the love of his life, Karen, at one of his travel presentations. That beautiful partnership resulted in the raising of three children: Derek, Janelle, and Matt.

Gary and Karen shared a deep commitment to family, community, and global connection, welcoming countless international visitors and exchange students into their home over the years.

Gary lived life like it was under the Big Top. He was defined by his colorful and eccentric passions which included circuses and clowning, even resulting in him becoming Bandana the Clown later in life. On their acreage on the edge of town, Gary amassed a beloved collection of animals, that over the years even included llamas, emus, peacocks, and a zebu. Nothing brought him more joy than seeing local families stop by to pet the donkeys or view the goats.

He loved holidays, particularly St. Patrick’s Day, and he was a founding member of the "Dublin Crew," helping organize the infamous Dublin, Iowa parade. He enjoyed family camping and the occasional cross-county road trip in the station wagon, often pulling a pop-up camper. Later, the trips became more global and he enjoyed traveling to various countries in Europe and the Caribbean, volunteering in Mexico, participating in adventures to Central America, and visiting friends in Australia. After retirement, he experienced great delight in revisiting New Zealand and reconnecting with host families. He also lived out his life-long dream of going on safaris in Africa when visiting his son while he was living in Kenya.

Gary believed in giving back to the community of Washington, Iowa, that gave him so much. His extensive local involvement included: The Rotary Club, 4-H leader and founder of the Go-Getters 4-H Club, Hospice of Washington, Washington Public Library, The Community Y, WEDG, Habitat for Humanity, and the United Presbyterian Church. He was proud of being a Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary, and being inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame in 2003.

Gary’s greatest joy in his later years was his role as "Pop Pops” and he traveled across the country and multiple times overseas to be able to spend as much time with his grandchildren as possible and serving as the biggest cheerleader for their activities and passions.

Gary is survived by his three children and their spouses: Derek (Dorrie) Murphy of Bettendorf, IA, Janelle (Jess Menzia) Menzia-Murphy of Portland, OR, and Matt (Sylvia) Murphy of Atlanta, GA, along with his seven cherished grandchildren Sam, Max, Ben, Samantha, Ellie, Atticus, and Elliot. He is also survived by two siblings, Tom Murphy of Clinton, IA, and Judy (Tom) Murphy, of Washington, IA, and his sister-in-law, Sara Murphy of Washington, IA.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen (Dockendorff) Murphy, and his parents, Sam and Blanche (Soukup) Murphy and his brother, Keith Murphy.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 28, at the United Presbyterian Church, with family present from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. A celebration of Gary’s colorful life will be held on Wednesday, July 29, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Presbyterian Church, with livestreaming available at the time of the service on the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/upcwash. In honor of Gary's joyful spirit, attendees are encouraged to bring their sense of humor and perhaps a good anecdote or a magic trick to share. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will support a local community cause close to his heart, which may include a scholarship in his name. Online condolences may be sent to Gary’s family at www.jonesfh.com.