THOMAS MURPHY OBITUARY

Thomas J. Murphy Dec. 8, 1920 - Oct. 31, 2014 SOUTH BEND - Thomas J. Murphy, 93, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 12.57 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2014, in his home following an illness. He was born on December 8, 1920, to the late Thomas Edward and Vesta Valore (Wisely) Murphy in Mishawaka, IN, and was a lifelong area resident.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Dorothy Keultjes, Mildred Kiser, and his brother, Electious "Pat" Murphy.

Thomas attended St. Monica Catholic Elementary School for eight years and then attended Washington-Clay High School, where he graduated in 1938.

He retired on December 8, 1985, as C.E.O. of the Twin City Beauty Supply Company of South Bend and Mishawaka after 50 years of employment.

On July 5, 1947, Thomas married Helen L. Fouse in Fort Wayne, IN. Helen passed away on September 24, 2014. The two shared a special love for one another, meeting on a blind date, and recently celebrating their 67th Wedding Anniversary this past July. Thomas was a loving husband, father and friend.

He was a proud veteran, whose love of the Air Force and of airplanes was evident by his extensive airplane model collection. He was a big supporter of Notre Dame football and was a charter member of the Notre Dame Quarterback Club and a member of the Notre Dame "Subway Alumni." He relished time with his family and friends but his greatest joy was going for a drive in his convertible with his lovely bride at his side.

Thomas is survived by his two daughters, Janet L. (Mitchell) Heppen-heimer of Bridgman, MI, Colleen A. (Matthew) Buehler of Indianapolis, IN; his son, Michael D. (Cindy Barajas) Murphy of Naperville, IL; three grandchildren, Laura (Dan) O'Sullivan, Erin (Troy) Warner, Sarah (Steve) Priebe; four great-grandchildren, Casey O'Sullivan, Addison L. Warner, Lillie Ann Warner, Norah Ann Priebe; and several nieces & nephews.

Thomas was a member of Holy Cross Parish, South Bend Elks Lodge #235, and Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #8748.

He was an Air Force veteran of World War II, where he was a member of the 63rd AS Squadron. He achieved the rank of Corporal and served as both a Crew Chief and Flight Engineer.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1050 Wilber Street, South Bend, IN. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN, where Military Service will be conducted.

The family is eternally grateful to Deb, Pam and Bonnie for coming into their lives and blessing their Dad and Mom with love, kindness, and tender care; and especially for treating them with respect and helping them to fulfill their wishes to leave this world surrounded by family and love in the warmth of their home. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 920 Wilber Street, South Bend, IN 46628; or Harbor Light Hospice, 1608 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. To send condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Nov. 2, 2014.

10/24/2022 EJS