Donald Lawrence "Larry" Murphy

Donald Lawrence “Larry” Murphy, age 95, passed away peacefully on August 30th, 2026, at Thornapple Manor in Hastings. A Funeral will be held at a later date. He was born on November 22, 1930, in Hastings, Michigan, the second of four children born to Donald and Cecil Murphy. 

Other than the two years he spent serving in the United States Army, Larry lived his entire life in the Hastings and Middleville communities. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1949. After completing his military service, Larry returned home to Hastings, where he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Schleh of Middleville. They were married for 67 years until her passing in 2021. They were blessed with two sons, Darrell and Bruce, and together they built a loving family centered around family, hard work, and a lifetime of memories. 

Larry worked at E.W. Bliss for more than 30 years. After a forced retirement, he and Mary moved to Middleville, where they took on the role of managing Lincoln Meadows retirement home. After five years, they returned to Hastings, where Larry was instrumental in helping with the opening of the new K-Mart store. He eventually retired from K-Mart, marking the end of a long and dedicated working life. 

Larry was also deeply involved in his community. He was a founding member of the Hastings CB Radio Club and served as the Barry County Civil Defense Director for several years. Larry also served in several positions in the Hastings High School Alumni Association. Through these roles, Larry demonstrated his willingness to serve his community and his neighbors, leaving a lasting impact on the Hastings and Barry County area. 

Retirement gave Larry and Mary the opportunity to enjoy one of the things they loved most—traveling. They traveled throughout the United States to visit their sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Larry was especially blessed to have traveled to Europe, for his 25th wedding anniversary, to visit Bruce and Darrell while there they were stationed there. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Cecil Murphy; his beloved wife, Mary Ellen Murphy; his brother, Robert Murphy; his son, Darrell Murphy; and his grandson, Jonathan Murphy. He is survived by his son, Bruce Murphy of Las Vegas, Nevada, his brothers, Keith Murphy of Hastings, Michigan, and Kent Murphy of Newberry Springs, California, Mary Murphy of North Hills California; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends throughout Michigan and beyond. 

Larry leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love, service, and devotion to his family and community. His 95 years were filled with family, friendships, hard work, service, travel, and countless memories. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.