Donald Don' J." Murphy, Jr.

Donald (Don) J. Murphy, Jr.

Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on June 7.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 12, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 126 W. Georgia Street, Indianapolis, from 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., with rosary following. Funeral mass at 7 p.m. Parking at the church is limited. Nearby parking garages available at 109 S. Capitol Ave and 130 S. Illinois St. Funeral arrangements by Flanner and Buchanan-Speedway, 2950 N. High School Rd., Speedway.
Don was born in Indianapolis on August 4, 1932. He graduated from Cathedral High School and after a short stint at Indiana University, enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1952 to 1954.
Don married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen (Sweeney), on May 8, 1954; they were happily married for 63 years. He retired from Detroit Diesel Allison Div. of General Motors in 1987 after 32 years of service. His 30 years of retirement were filled with golfing, fishing, family vacation, church activities, bocce ball, crossword puzzles, avid Colts and a Pacers fan, and more golf. He enjoyed playing golf with good friends several times a week right up to his death. He lost count long ago of the number of times he shot his age. Don forged many friendships in his 84 years and was held high regard and loved by many. He earned the highest of respect by those who were lucky to know him. He was heavily involved in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church community. Don was a patriarch of a close family and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; and eight children, Kathleen (Mark) Young, Theresa (Rick) Seidensticker, Dan (LeeAnn) Murphy, Peggy (Mark) Fletcher – deceased, Maureen (Chris) Schaeffer, Colleen (Doug Ashcraft) Williamson, Patrick (Julie) Murphy, and Shannon Murphy. Also surviving are his brother, William Murphy; sister-in-law, Shannon Kikendall; brother-in-law, James Sweeney; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Sr. and Madeline Murphy; sisters, Madeline Owens and Marilyn Murphy; and grandson, Macklin Swinney.
In lie of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where it will be earmarked for future renovations of the church.