Donald Lee Murphy, 85, of Columbia City, formerly of South Whitley, passed away at 11:36 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Parkview Randallia in Fort Wayne.

Born on August 10, 1941, in rural Miami County, Indiana, he was one of eleven children born to the late Howard and Nina (Norman) Murphy. He grew up in the Akron area, where he completed his formal schooling.

On November 9, 1963, he married Susie (Owens). They made their home in South Whitley, raising two sons.

Becoming a professional truck driver, he drove for B.F. Goodrich in Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Foundry, and Omni Source in Fort Wayne. For a few years, he was an owner/operator driving for Warsaw Transport. He also owned and operated the former Marathon Station in downtown South Whitley and then Texaco service station in South Whitley, located on the corner of First and State streets.

He enjoyed motor sports throughout his life and raced at the Warsaw Speedway. He also enjoyed motorcycles, having several Harleys and Gold Wings. When he wasn't racing or riding, he was tinkering in his garage on whatever needed repair or improvement. When he owned a service station owner, he donated his services to the pastors of his church, the First Baptist of South Whitley. He was a volunteer Fireman at Cleveland Township Fire Department.

Don enjoyed having breakfast out daily, where he could meet with friends and discuss current issues. During his service station days, he collected the promotional drinking glass sets ranging from the Apollo Space set to the BC Comics set. He held a special place in his heart for his small dog Della, who survives.

Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Susie; sons, Ronald (Karen) Murphy of Columbia City and Darrell (Jill) Murphy of Indianapolis; six grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Lawrence (Dana) Murphy of Alabama, Maurice (Jane) Murphy of Gilead, Patty (Randy) Hollar of Rochester, Jeannie Cooper of Talma, and Kathy Metzger of North Manchester.

He was also preceded in death by brothers, Michael and Robert Murphy, and sisters, Vivian Heeter, Rosalee Bernhard, and Francis Adams.

Visitation is 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday (Oct 31st) at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel in South Whitley, with a graveside service at 1 p.m. at South Whitley Cemetery.

Memorials in Don’s honor are to Miller’s at Oak Points.