Shane Alan Murphy

Shane Alan Murphy, 45 of Lewistown died May 16th, 2024, after a courageous battle with stage 4 esophageal cancer. The youngest of seven, Shane was born on July 23rd, 1978, to Marlene and Gene Murphy. He attended school in Harlowton, graduating from Harlowton High School in 1997.

After graduation, Shane started working at Dairy Queen in Lewistown where he stayed employed until around 1998 when he went to work at the Bar 19. He held many jobs there but the one that he was most remembered for was his bartending. Every weekend, and most weeknights, you could find him behind the bar, slinging drinks with a smile and a wink waiting for the right song to come on so he could tear up the dance floor with the first willing jitterbug partner he could find. During this time, he also spent a few days a week out in Denton helping out at the cafe for his friends the Phelps’. His bosses & fellow employees became like a second family to Shane, welcoming him into their homes for holidays and get-togethers.

Once The Bar 19 closed in December of 2012, Shane faithfully followed Mike Lamphier down to the Montana Tavern where he worked until the end of July 2023. Somewhere during that time, Shane started his close to 12-year career at Docs where in September of 2022, he was named bar manager. He was very proud of this accomplishment and took great pride in doing the best job that he could possibly do until he was forced to quit working due to the progression of his cancer.

Shane was an avid pool player, belonging to several different VNEA and city league teams and even captaining a few throughout the years. Two times he was able to take his team to the VNEA World Championship pool tournament in Las Vegas Nevada, never placing but always having an unforgettable time. Along with playing pool, he enjoyed bowling and was on several different teams and leagues throughout the years.

In 2020, Shane entered treatment where he began his sobriety journey, earning his Certificate of Achievement from Rocky Mountain Treatment Center on March 8, 2021. After completing treatment, he returned to Lewistown where he continued to work on his sobriety with his extremely supportive “Super-Secret Club”, attending various meetings and speaking several times about his journey. Shane was exceptionally proud of this success in his life and received his three-year sobriety token in March of 2024, remaining sober until his passing.

If you had a question concerning sports; any question about any event, Shane would have the answer you were looking for. At any given time, you could find him watching whatever kind of game that he could find to watch from football to golf, to basketball and everything in between. He faithfully followed the Chicago Bears, Seattle Mariners, Boston Celtics, University of Michigan, and of course the University of Montana Grizzlies along with all high school sports.

Although only 45 years young at the time of his death, Shane affected many people in various ways in his lifetime. He loved his family and friends fiercely, never missing a moment to say how much he loved them and doing everything in his power to show it. He rarely met a person who stayed a stranger for long and would go above and beyond for anyone who crossed his path.

Shane was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and both of his parents. He is survived by his six siblings; Colleen (Jerry) Cernohlavek, Michael (Teresa) Murphy, Jim Murphy, Dennis (Jean) Murphy, Shannon (John) Briggs, Patricia Sims, eleven nieces and nephews and five great nieces and nephews. He also left behind many friends that he considered his second family along with several “adopted” nieces and nephews who had the privilege of calling him Uncle Murphy.

A Celebration of Shane’s life will be held on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, at 11:00 am at Cloyd Funeral Home in Lewistown. Everyone is invited to join the family for a reception to follow at the Montana Tavern. The evening before, Friday, June 21st, everyone is invited to a potato bar from 5-7, compliments of Docs Bar and Grill.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com