Jerald Edgar “Jerry” Murphy, 80, of New Castle, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 24, 2017.

He was born July 15, 1936 to William Edgar and Lorna (Smith) Murphy in Spiceland, Indiana.

Jerry was a graduate of Spiceland High School – Class of 1955. He attended Texas Western College in El Paso, Texas. He retired from Chrysler Corporation after 30 ½ years as a Journeyman Tool Grinder receiving numerous awards for attendance and skills during his career. Jerry was a member of the Spiceland United Methodist Church and served in Biloxi, MS, with the UMC Disaster Recovery Team after Hurricane Katrina.

Jerry was a past President of the Babe Ruth Baseball League and a Cub Scout Leader as well as a wordsmith averaging one to two crossword puzzles daily. He was an accomplished woodworker and carpenter, crafting cradles for his grandchildren. He worked with Earl Brown Construction building homes in the New Castle area. With his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stewart and Phyllis Dorn, he owned the Main Ice Cream Shoppe.

On May 26, 1957 Jerry married Sarah Ellen Hines Murphy who survives. They have three children, Michael Brent Murphy (Sara) of Pendleton, Julie Anne Martin (Richard) of Hagerstown and Macy Kent Murphy (Monica) of Vincennes; seven grandchildren, Megan Rayburn (fiancé: Mark Hinkey) of Richmond, Craig Wampler, Kelli Wampler and Gracie Murphy all of New Castle, Liam Murphy and Sean Murphy of Vincennes, and Ellie Murphy of Pendleton; six step-grandchildren, Hannah Ritz of Carbondale, IL, Jonah Ritz of Vincennes, Jessica (husband: Casey) Newsome, Heather Martin, Allison Martin and Lee Cutting all of Huntington, IN; great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Charlotte Rayburn of Richmond and Lettie Heyward and Finley Wampler of New Castle. He is also survived by one brother, James Murphy (Sharian) of New Castle; step-sisters, Betty Raines of New Castle and Diana Chapman of Noblesville; step-brothers, Charles Cooley (Betty) of Sebring, FL and Norman Cooley (Reba) of DeRidder, LA. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by sisters, Joan Catt, Janet Caudill, Joyce Allen, Ina Gene Marks; brothers, Keith, Kenneth and John Murphy; step-father, Cecil Cooley and a step-sister, Margorie Rhodes.

Friends may call from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Spiceland United Methodist Church where memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the Indiana United Methodist Childrens Home, PO Box 747, Lebanon, IN 46052 or the Henry County Community Foundation. You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.

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