Edward Underhill Murphy ’42

Ed, an eminent pioneer of pediatric ophthalmology, died April 12, 2007, after falling at home in Evansville, Ind.

A graduate of New York Military Academy, he majored in biology at Princeton, joined Elm Club, and left after junior year to attend Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. Following a surgical internship at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, Ed served two years in the Army medical department. He married Doris Noelting, now deceased, in 1946.

Ed fulfilled his residency in ophthalmology at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis before moving to Evansville in 1950. Six years later he focused his practice on children’s eye problems and became only the third pediatric surgeon in the United States, pioneering many new developments in the field. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmologists. Endowed with a quiet sense of humor, an easygoing nature, and powerful intellect, he was a popular speaker at medical schools.

Starting as a teenager, Ed was a worldwide traveler alone and with Doris and their three children. He loved gardening and enjoyed golf. Ed will be remembered for his kindness, patience, thoughtfulness, and “amendments to Murphy’s Law.”

Ed is survived by his three children, Katherine, Edward Jr., and Elizabeth, and two grandchildren.