Donald Warren Murphy Jr (Donnie), age 69 passed away Sunday, January 5, 2020, at Russell Regional Hospital, Russell, Kansas.  He was born to Donald Murphy (Don) and Isetta Tittel Murphy on July 25, 1950, at Russell Regional Hospital, Russell, Kansas.  He was a member of the 1968 graduating class of Russell High School, Russell, Kansas.

Donnie was proud and honored to have served his country in the Army stationed in Vietnam early March 1970, through early October 1971. 

After returning from Vietnam he worked at his parents’ business Don’s Excavating.  On April 22, 1977, he married Sue McKown at Cupid’s Wedding Chapel, LasVegas, NV.  The ceremony was a double ceremony with Sue’s grandmother Jane Andrews and Carl Cantwell.  This was something Donnie and Sue were very proud of and loved sharing all of the stories associated with it.  With this marriage Donnie became stepfather to daughter Megan McKown.  Later Donnie worked for the City of Russell retiring November 1, 2012, with 25 years of service.  

Donnie enjoyed spending time at his farm.  There was always a huge garden that was more than several families could use.  So there was a free zucchini sign in the yard in town.  And believe it not the boxes were always emptied.  When his health worsened his friends and family made sure that the garden was planted.  He also enjoyed his role as Papa to granddaughter Casey and most recently the addition of great granddaughter Sadie Grace. 

He was a life member of the DAV, 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the VFW post #6240, Russell, KS.  He also was a member of the American Legion post #0099, Russell, KS. He was also a tribal member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska.

Donnie was proceeded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife Sue of the home, Russell, KS, his sister Tenna Rae Bangert (Dennis) Derby, KS, his stepdaughter Megan Tolle (Stacy), Sedgwick, KS, granddaughter Casey Blevins, Sedgwick, KS, and great granddaughter Sadie Grace Blevins, Sedgwick, KS. 

A memorial service to celebrate Donnie's life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.  A Ft. Riley and Russell V.F.W. military honor guard ceremony will follow at the Russell County Veterans Memorial.  The family will greet guests the day of the service.  Memorials may be given to the Russell County Veterans Memorial and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.