Dr. Sherman McMurray

Dr. Sherman McMurray died peacefully at home on June 6, 2021, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. Dr. McMurray was born in New Albany, Indiana on March 13, 1959. His family moved around in southern Indiana until settling in Fort Thomas, Kentucky in 1964. He attended Fort Thomas schools and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Highlands High School in 1977, then matriculated to Indiana University. There he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and served on various committees in the fraternity. He earned a spot on the Steering Committee of IU Student Foundation and was named a Bruce White Scholar. He was the third generation of his family to earn a degree from IU. He has been a football and basketball season ticket holder for decades. In 1981 he was admitted to three medical schools and chose the IU School of Medicine in Indianapolis. There he met the love of his life, Kathleen (Titsworth) McMurray, first asking her out, memorably, in cadaver lab. They were married at the end of medical school and started residencies at IU. Two children arrived in residency, and one after. They are Anne (McMurray) Wolfcale, Caroline McMurray and Rob McMurray. Mrs. Dr. McMurray established her practice in Indianapolis at Women’s Hospital, while Mr. Dr. McMurray joined the anesthesia group at Methodist Hospital, where he served the citizens of Indiana for almost 30 years. During his time at Methodist, he assumed several administrative roles, including as Medical Director of the Methodist operating rooms from 2007 to 2013, and as Medical Director of the Senate Street Surgery Center from 2007 to 2020. The family settled in a house in Meridian Hills and built a life. Growing children, schoolwork for the kids, and busy medical practices made for a full life. Dr. McMurray made many friends, both in the neighborhood and connected to the children’s schools. The house was the setting for many dinner parties and an annual black and white party the night before the Indianapolis 500. The patio, with a bourbon in hand, and a good view of the garden was his favorite place in all the world. Dr. McMurray was a member of Meridian Hills Country Club, the Dramatic Club—where he served on the board of directors—and a long-time supporter of the Friends of Holliday Park. He served the Friends as a board member, as well as president for three years during the construction of the Nature Center. Recently, he served five years as a councilman for the Town of Meridian Hills. His proudest philanthropic accomplishment was the establishment of the Indianapolis Posterity Fund 2126 and the Indianapolis Posterity Fund 2151. These are very long-term funds that first pay out in the years indicated. One third of each fund will go to the City, one third to the Central Indiana Community Foundation, and one third remains in the fund to grow for 50 more years. Dr. McMurray had always wanted to give the city of Indianapolis a billion dollars, and decided that using the time value of money was the only way to get it done. He liked the idea so much he started two similar funds for the Greater Cincinnati Foundation that first mature in 2136 and 2161. The family would like to thank the oncology team at IU Health. We always felt we were getting the best science and personal care available. We also would like to thank Father Guy Roberts, Melinda Rivelli, and Jim McAlister of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Dr. McMurray joined the Catholic church late in life and these are the people who made that happen. God has grace even for old sinners. Dr. McMurray is survived by his loving wife Katy McMurray, his beloved children Anne McMurray Wolfcale, Caroline McMurray, Rob McMurray and his beloved son in law Tyler Wolfcale and future daughter in law Abby Carlson, and his brothers Stephen and Scott McMurray, and many other loving family and friends. A visitation for Sherman will be held at Leppert Mortuary in Nora on Thursday, June 10 from 4 to 7pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Joan of Arc on Friday at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Friends of Holliday Park, the American Cancer Society, and the Indianapolis Posterity Fund 2126 and 2151.