Obituaries

May 13, 1933 to June 16, 2018

WINAMAC - Thomas Edmond "Tom" Murray, 85, of Winamac, passed away at 11:30 p.m., Saturday, June 16, at his daughter's home in Winamac.

He was born May 13, 1933, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Kokomo, to the late Thomas L. and Marguerite Trottier Murray. He was a 1951 graduate of Winamac High School. He joined the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean Conflict where he served in Japan and Korea for two years. Upon his return, he met Thelma L. Mocherman of Flora, and they were married Sept. 29, 1956.

He is survived by two sons, Tom J. Murray and Tim (Joan) Murray; one daughter, Theresa (Patrick) Blankenship; two brothers, Jim (Rita) Murray and Robert (Suzanne) Murray; 9 grandchildren, Jamie Murray (Mike Craft), Amy Murray, Anne (Kent) Wamsley, Wade Berger, Chance Blankenship, Emerald Blankenship, Madeline Murray, Mary (Travis) Werner, Max Murray; 5 great grandchildren, Robert Collins, Laini Joseph, Kamden Long, Baylor Fritz and Isaiah Wamsley; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma; and great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Collins.

Mr. Murray's family moved to Winamac when he was five so he could attend St. Peter's parochial school. He later served as a member of the St. Peter's Parish Council and president for two years. He participated in 10 years of 4-H, went on to become a leader and served on the Pulaski County Fair Board for 10 years. He was the first chairman of the Miss Pulaski County Queen Pageant and organized the Winamac chapter of Jaycees, where he served as president for two years. He was one of the original trustees of Pulaski Memorial Hospital during its construction, was a foundation member for five years, and served on the PMH Board for 10 years. 

He had a passion for life. He particularly held a passion for family and his Irish heritage. Another one of his loves was farming, which led him to grow and distill mint in addition to other crops and raise animals over the years. He loved his peppermint fields. He was the first farmer in the county to farm no-till and 20" rows. He was named to Who's Who Among Outstanding Young Men of America, received the Prairie Farmer Master Farmer Award and was later a recipient of the local Halleck Award. After retiring from farming, he managed the Winamac Co-operative Elevator for five years and operated his own realty office for 10 years. He also was a transporter for the Pulaski County Food Pantry. 

Mr. Murray was a lifelong enthusiast for the Winamac schools, especially attending his children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's events. He was a member of the Winamac VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed playing golf, poker, blackjack, and cards with friends and family. He was an avid race fan and often attended the Indianapolis 500. He had a love for travel, taking his family on several trips. He and Thelma saw many parts of the world while they were young and able to enjoy. The couple passed on their wanderlust to their children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, June 22, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Winamac. A scriptural wake service will be at 6 p.m., Friday, at the church. A rosary service will be at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 23, at the church. Additional visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, at the church. A funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. (Saturday, June 23), at the church with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski County 4-H Fair Board.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.