Donald Eugene Murphy

Donald Eugene Murphy, 93, of Romeoville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026.

Born on August 31, 1932, in Pontiac, Michigan, Don was the son of Ernest and Gertrude Murphy. Born into a family with a strong Irish heritage which he carried his whole life proudly. He lived a life marked by faith, hard work, service, and devotion to family.

Don first met Janet Jeter in 1951, they were married in 1953 and welcomed their daughter Cheryl in 1956. They were married 26 years and then separated and divorced. But the good Lord said they weren't finished yet and by His grace they were reconciled in marriage again in 1991. They were together until Janet's homegoing in 2006.

Then in 2008, Don married Kay Valutis. They enjoyed making memories during 18 years of married life. They valued their time together at First Baptist Church of Rochester serving with the Senior Epic group. Through the last five years of their marriage, she stood faithfully by his side and cared for him while he suffered through dementia.

Don proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy. Throughout his life, he pursued a variety of occupations. Starting at age 7 as a newspaper boy for the Detroit news, he then went on to work for his dad on Murphy's corner, started his own diner Don's Dinette, was a photographer and a truck driver for many years. Before retiring, he served as a mortuary transport driver—a role he deeply treasured because it allowed him to share his faith with families during some of their most difficult moments. No matter the role, he was known for his dedication, reliability, and willingness to serve others.

A strong and faithful follower of Christ, an active member of the Gideons, Don's faith was the foundation of his life. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Wayne, Five Points Community Church, and First Baptist Church of Rochester. His commitment to Christ was evident in the way he lived, loved, and cared for those around him. In his final months, even when dementia has taken hold of most of his memories, his love for Jesus and his desire to share Him with others never changed, he was preaching the good news of Jesus until the end.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Janet Murphy, his parents Ernest and Gertrude, brothers Lee, Bill, Bob, Pat, and sister Mona.

He is survived by his loving wife Kay Murphy, daughter, Cheryl and her husband, Fred Young; his grandchildren, Ryan (Hilary), and Lauren (David); and his cherished great-grandchildren, Mackenzi Jae, Amen Moriah, Grace Jae-Lynn, Truth Frederick, Faith Louise, and Hope Alanney, and his many nieces and nephews.

Don will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strong work ethic, generous spirit, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family who will continue to honor his memory.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Visiting hours have been arranged for Monday, June 22nd from

4:00 - 8:00 pm at the Pixley Funeral Home of Rochester

(322 W. University Dr., Rochester, 48307).

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Rochester

(6377 Orion Rd., Rochester Hills, 48306). Don's family will receive guests from 10:00 am at the church until the time of service. 

Interment will follow Wednesday at Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia.

Please consider a memorial contribution to the Gideons. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and also at First Baptist Church.

Thank you for keeping the Murphy family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.