PLAINFIELD
Russell Murphy, 88, passed away Monday evening, July 19, 2022. He was a resident of Plainfield, and formerly of Greencastle and Greenwood.
He was born December 16, 1933 in Lawrence County, IN to Amos Franklin Murphy and Dessa Augusta (True) Murphy. He married his wife, Joan Grace Star on November 25, 1954 at Central Christian Church in Indianapolis. She preceded him in death on June 7, 2014. Survivors include one daughter, Susan Gayle Murphy of Indianapolis; two sons, Eric Scott (Sarah) Murphy of Plainfield and Gregg Stephen (Carol) Murphy of Ft. Collins, CO; one sister, Mary Howard of Indianapolis; six grandchildren, Jessica Claire Meredith, Clayton Scott (Katelyn) Murphy, Betsy Elise (Lucas) Markiewicz, Beth Ann Murphy, Lucas Russell Murphy, and Paige Marie Murphy; and two great grandchildren, Leland Scott Murphy and Violet Marie Meredith.
He was preceded in death by his wife; two brothers, Ellsworth Murphy and Paul Murphy; and one grandchild, Alexander Dora Murphy.
Russ graduated from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, and later earned a Bachelor of Science at Butler University. He ran track and cross country at both schools.
He later joined the U.S. Navy in 1956.
Russ was employed as a banker at AFNB from 1958-1969. He later was co-owner of Murphy Brothers, Inc, Pontiac Oldsmobile GMC Dealership in Greencastle for 16 years with his brothers. He then went to work as a sales manager at Stuart Skillman/Ray Skillman for 15 years, retiring in 1998.
He also was a lifelong entrepreneur and real estate developer.
Russ was a member of Mystic Tie Masonic Lodge #398, F. &A.M, serving as Most Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1972. He remained an active member at the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite, serving as Most Wise Master of the Rose Croix 1976-1978, and earned his thirty-third degree in 1978. He was a member of the Murat Shrine, the Indiana Apartment Owners Association.
He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Christian Church..
Calling hours will take place from 2-5PM, Sunday, July 24, at Wilson St.Pierre Funeral Service &Crematory, Greenwood Chapel, 481 W. Main Street, where a Masonic Service will take place at 5 PM. Rev. Spence Tuttle will officiate a funeral service at 1:30PM, Monday, at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Greenwood.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Childrens Dyslexia Center, 650 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, or to the Scottish Rite Foundation, 650 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Online condolences may be shared with the Murphy family at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com, where you may sign the online register book, order flowers, or leave a condolence for the family.
