Don M Murphy

PEKIN ~ Don M. Murphy, 83, of 1610 Matilda, passed away at 7:20 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 at Hallmark House Nursing Center in Pekin.Born Feb. 24, 1926 in Viola, TN to Fred and Elizabeth (Smart) Murphy, he married Anita Winton on June 30, 1950 in Mount Eagle, TN. She survives.Also surviving are one daughter, Donita Murphy of Indianapolis, IN; one grandson and one sister, Patsy (Floyd) Hardcastle of Viola, TN.He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Ralph Donald Murphy on Dec. 27, 2008 in Pekin; two brothers and one sister.A World War II Army veteran, Don served with pride as a tank driver in Germany. He then had a long and successful career with Caterpillar, Inc., retiring from Mossvillein the engine division.Don was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.He was a member of Pekin Church of Christ.His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Evangelist Paul Thomas will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.Memorial contributions may be made to Pekin Church of Christ, 1451 Valle Vista Boulevard, Pekin, IL 61554.