Wayne R. Murphy

Wayne R. Murphy, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on Friday September 8, 2023 at his Lakeville home surrounded by his family.

Born on May 26, 1946 in South Bend to Dale A. Murphy Sr. and Ruth (Maurice) Murphy.  Wayne is survived by his brother Dale (Judy) Murphy of South Bend.  He lived a life full of love and laughter.

He was a devoted family man, in love with his wife Linda (Thomas) Murphy of 54 years and cherished by his children; Cheryl (Mike) Coghlan, Pamela (Matt) Guard, and Brian (Brandy) Murphy.

Wayne was a loving grandfather to; Victoria Guard, Tristan (Estefani) Guard, Ian Coghlan, Ellie Coghlan, and Jake Coughlan.  He leaves behind a legacy of love. 

Wayne is a 1964 graduate of Riley High School.

For fun he enjoyed hanging out with the “Teen Tones” and riding motorcycles with his life long friends; Wayne and Lew.  His 2-wheels evolved into 4-wheel ATV’s that he and his son Brian would ride through the property.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force at Andersen Air Force Base Guam and Grissom Air Force Base, Indiana where his duty was to service and maintain the B-52’s for flight in Vietnam.

After the Air Force he continued to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter and as an Indianapolis Police officer along with his K-9 partner “Ike”.

Upon returning to the South Bend area he continued civil service with 32 years at the US Postal Service for a total of 43 years of civil service.

Everyone who knew Wayne knew he had an obsession with flashlights.  Any size, shape, color, or lumen, the more unique the better.  He had the super large size down to the small pocket size.  He liked strobe, tactical, and even the flash light umbrella lights that lighted the way in the rain.  He always had a flashlight. 

A graveside service for Wayne will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday September 12, 2023 at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend. 

Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.