Kenneth Leroy MurphyAKRON – Kenneth Leroy Murphy, 78, of rural Silver Lake, passed unexpectedly at 6:58 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at his residence.
Ken was born on Jan. 13, 1944, in Logansport, to the late Oren and Mildred Fincher Murphy. He had previously been married to Rebecca Schooley Murphy. He was then married, on July 4, 1986, at their home, to Linda Baker Gothan; she survives.
He was a 1962 graduate of Silver Lake High School. After high school, he worked for the state of Indiana doing surveying work. He then served his country in the U.S. Navy on the USS Porterfield as an electrical repairman during his three tours of Vietnam. Ken then became an instructor at Tippecanoe Valley High School for 31 years, retiring in 2008. As the Building Trades teacher, he educated many young adults. As a part of his program, many homes were constructed for area families.
Ken enjoyed woodworking, hunting and raising many animals, which included raccoons, a coyote, deer and birds. Over the years, his giving heart led him to Camp C.O. Mollenhour, where he was longtime president. He also drove the transportation for the Special Olympics. Ken was a member of the Indiana Hunter Education Association where he taught hunter education classes. He was also very close to the 1961 class of Silver Lake High School and regularly attended their luncheons. He attended Akron Church of God for many years. In earlier years, he served as a youth leader at the Mentone United Methodist Church. Ken’s life was not just his kids and grandkids, but all children.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Murphy, of Silver Lake; children: Stephanie and husband Troy Shull, of Mentone; Mike and wife Amy Murphy, of Akron; April and husband Blake Myers, of Akron; Aaron and wife Sabrina Gothan, of Mentone; and Kayla Murphy, of Rochester; 13 grandchildren; sister, Marjorie Murphy, of Florida; brother, Philip and wife Mary Margaret Murphy, of Indianapolis; as well as numerous Builders Trades students.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clarence Murphy.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, with Pastor Kathy Nelson and Pastor Mandy Nellans.
The interment will take place in the Harrison Center Cemetery, Etna Green, with graveside military rites performed by Warsaw American Legion Post #49 Honor Guard.
Visitation hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.
Memorial contributions can be made in Ken’s memory to Camp C.O. Mollenhour, 10265 S. 600 W., Silver Lake, IN 46982. Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
