Steven Allen Murphy, 55, of Mechanicsville, MD died on August 22, 2009 at Washington Hospital Center. Born on December 1, 1953, in La Plata, MD, he was preceded in death by his father, Joseph L. Murphy; and brother, Joseph Michael Murphy.

He is survived by his mother, Lorraine Murphy; Son, Peter Murphy; daughter, Jennifer L. Norleen and her husband Kenneth. Steve is also survived by his siblings, brother, David Murphy and his wife Betty; sisters, Lisa Swann and her husband Frank, and Donna Harrington and her husband Steve. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Steve graduated from La Plata High School and went to work at Mitchell Motor Company in La Plata as an auto mechanic. In 1976 he went to work for PEPCO/Mirant at Morgantown as a power plant mechanic, and retired in June, after 33 years of service. Steve also farmed, raising tobacco, corn and soybeans. He enjoyed gardening and sharing his bounty with family, friends and neighbors. He enjoyed hunting duck, geese, rabbit, dove, quail and recently wild boar. Steve raised beagles, labs and bird dogs for hunting and companionship; he loved his dogs. He spent a lot of time on the water, fishing crabbing, eeling, and boating. Steve liked listening to Country Music and Motown. He loved to dance and enjoyed the holidays with his family.

A life celebration will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 with viewings from 2pm - 4pm & 6 pm - 8 pm with Prayers at 7 7 pm at the Arehart-Echols Funeral Home in La Plata, MD. A Mass will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 10 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Newport, MD. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Peter Murphy, Kenneth Norleen, Donnie Bowles, Mike Abell, Frank Swann and David Murphy. Honorary pallbearers will be Dale Pilkerton, Allen Wright, Chris, Michael, and Jesse Swann.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Building Fund or American Heart Association.

Arrangements provided by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.