Ronald Lee Murphy, 88, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 30th, in Fort Wayne at The Terrace, under the dedicated care of its staff and the staff of Paradigm Hospice. A native of Fort Wayne, Ron was a graduate of Zion Lutheran School and Concordia Lutheran High School. Prior to his extensive career as a real estate broker, he was a banker and worked for the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and for Concordia Lutheran High School. In 1997, Ron moved to Ames, Iowa, where he continued his work in real estate, focusing on sales of existing properties as well as the development of new residential construction. In May of this year, he returned to Fort Wayne, where he remained until his death.

Ron was never at a loss for interests; he was intrigued by history, architecture, genealogy, travel, and vintage cars. Some of those passions were evident in his support of local efforts to highlight and preserve buildings which hold historical or architectural significance. On a personal note, he felt grateful that his family could live in the home at the corner of St. Joe Blvd and State Street, which he purchased from Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of the first fully electronic television. Intrigued by the creative design of cars, Ron frequently made trips to the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, where he would marvel at the restored automobiles. And, in the latter part of his life, his curiosity to experience the sights, sounds, and food of various cultures and environments prompted Ron to travel extensively. His adventures led him to numerous destinations around the U.S. and to forty other countries around the world.

He also valued the arts, especially theater and music. His love of music was cultivated during his formative years in Zion's grade school choir, and he continued singing until his retirement: first, in the church choirs of St. Paul's Lutheran and Trinity English Lutheran and the community chorus, Opus 18, in Fort Wayne; later, in Ames, he sang in the choirs at Bethesda Lutheran, Collegiate Presbyterian, and with the Ames Chamber Artists. Ron also instilled his fondness for musical theater in his children; this included numerous family trips to Warsaw to take in shows at the Wagon Wheel Summer Playhouse. Although he never considered himself to be a serious actor, he did enjoy participating in theatrical productions at Trinity English and in several alumni productions at Concordia High School. Perhaps his biggest moment on stage was playing the role of Mikado in a Gilbert and Sullivan production at Concordia, directed by his son, Christopher. Whether participating or observing, music and theater offered Ron unique opportunities to connect with his children and grandchildren.

Ron's spirituality guided his journey throughout life. During his adult years, he particularly valued his involvement at Trinity English. In addition to his role in the choir, he served as a summer vocalist (frequently with daughter, Jennifer), as a student in the Bethel Bible Study, and as a participant in the outreach program. In 1996, as part of the church's 150th anniversary, Ron served as co-chair of a project in which Trinity, partnering with Habitat for Humanity, financed and built two homes in the southeast portion of the city.

Of course, Ron's story would not be complete without acknowledging his tender heart for dogs. He lamented that he was not able to have a dog when he was a child, so raising collies with his daughter, and being on a constant look-out for lost dogs that needed to be returned to their rightful owner brought him great joy. His last canine, a fiercely loyal Sheltie named Buddy, was his most beloved.

Surviving are son, Christopher (Susan) Murphy; daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Hobby; six grandchildren: Bradley, Abby, and Seth Murphy; Hannah (Bailey) Waugh; Lydia, and Elizabeth Hobby; brother, Terry (Kathie) Murphy; partner, friend, and caregiver, Mark Pagala. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, B. Franklin and Esther Murphy; and by his ex-wife, yet life-time friend, Nancy Smith Murphy.

A service and celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, August 10, at Trinity English Lutheran Church, 450 W. Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne. It will be preceded by visitation and doughnuts (one of Ron's favorite snacks) from 8:45 – 10:20 a.m. A private family interment will follow the service in Trinity's columbarium. In lieu of flowers or other material gifts, the family invites memorial gifts in his honor to be designated to the music department of Trinity English Lutheran or to the animal shelter, Humane Fort Wayne.

Arrangements are being handled by FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services.