Clarence Murphy

Clarence E. Murphy was born and raised in LaPorte, IN. He was known to many as Murph in his 72 years of life. He was the 3rd of 4 children born to Kenneth and Mabel Barringer Murphy. He was born on April 14, 1936, and was 1 of the 5 children that colored Kenneth's and Mabel's lives. He met his sweetheart, Dixie Barnhart of South Bend, IN., at a district church youth function. They were married September 10, 1955, made LaPorte their home, raised 3 children and were blessed with 4 grandchildren all of which have brought color to Murph's and Dixie's lives over the course of 52 years of marriage. Carolyn, the first born, grew up to be a fine nurse with an amazing passion for serving the elderly and their families. Mike followed his dad's footsteps into the world of Benjamin Moore Paint and took what he learned from his dad and grew it into an enjoyable career in the paint industry. Kathy became an elementary school teacher, a career that has suited her well. All 3 children married, and Carolyn has 2 girls, Hannah and Lydia; Kathy has 2 children, Abby and Michael. Murph was involved in the community over the years as past president of the YMCA board, past president of the LaPorte Jaycees and a past state officer of the Jaycees. Exalted Ruler of the LaPorte Elks, but nothing brought him more pride than his purchase of Bennethum's Paint store in 1964, which he renamed C Murphy Paint and Glass. He "colored" many lives with his vast knowledge of color, his ability to match paint colors like no other, and his love of sharing a joke and a laugh with those around him. As much as he loved his store, he had a bigger passion for grilling and boating. He could be found grilling in all kinds of weather. He couldn't wait until it was time to put the boat in the water in the spring and pouted when it was time to take the pier out in the fall and put the boat in storage for the winter. Murph also loved college sports, and he could be found watching and discussing games with Kathy's husband, Scott at family get togethers. As much as he loved his store, his grill, and his boat, Murph's biggest joy were his 4 grandchildren, Hannah 17, Lydia 15, Abby 10, and Michael 8. They were truly the twinkle of his eye and zing in his heart strings. He loved to sing and rock each of them as babies, read to them as little ones, go to their activities as they have been growing up, play games with them and just spend time talking to them. When the time came to put his paint chips behind him and close his business, Murph and Dixie moved to Mishawaka so they could be closer to their children and enjoy their grandchildren even more. Mike and his wife Judy of Bokeelia, FL have already preceded Murph in death as well as his sister Opal Murphy of North Liberty, IN. Murph leaves behind his wife Dixie of Mishawaka, IN, his daughter; Carolyn Sienicki-Lashmit and her daughters, Hannah and Lydia Sienicki of South Bend, IN, his son-in-law and daughter Scott and Kathy Dempsey and their children Abby and Michael of Mishawaka, IN, his brother, Charles Murphy of St. Louis, MO, his sister, Miriam Wiles of Portage, IN and his sister Zayda Coll of Fort Wayne, IN. His literal vibrance has faded, but his color will live on in our memories until we meet up with Murph again in heaven, where he is taking coloring one's life to a whole other level for eternity. Funeral arrangements are being made by Haverstock Funeral Home of LaPorte, IN. Friends may call at the Pine Creek Church of the Brethren in North Liberty, IN. from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 1:00 PM EST at the Pine Creek Church of the Brethren in North Liberty, IN where Murph and Dixie are members, with Pastor Steve VanHouten, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Lung Assoc. /Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis 9445 Delegates Row, Indianapolis, IN 46240, in memory of their son, Michael Murphy. Directions to Pine Creek Church of the Brethren for LaPorte: Take State Road 4 to North Liberty, continue on State Road 4 for 4 miles to Pine Road, the first road past Potato Creek State Parkturn right and go south for 4 miles to Stanton Road. The church is on the corner of Stanton and Directions to Pine Creek Church of the Brethren from South Bend: Take US 31 South to State Road 4, continue on US 31 for 4 miles to Stanton Road, turn right and the church will be 4 miles on the left. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Clarence E. Murphy please visit our Sympathy Store.