Robert R. Murphy

Robert R. “Bob” Murphy, 89, of New Castle, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2011 at The Waters of New Castle after an extended illness. He was born December 8, 1921, in Greensburg, IN, a son of the late Ben and Mabel (Darby) Murphy.

A 1939 graduate of Mt. Summit High School, he moved to Mt. Summit in 1927 with his grandparents, Roy and Inez Darby, who raised him.

Bob retired from IRC&D Motor Freight as a truck driver. He was a member of the New Castle Breakfast Optimist Club for 47 years and was a member of the First Friends Meeting in New Castle. Bob loved camping, fishing, yard work and the outdoors in general was his passion. He was known for his shiny cars and friendliness in the neighborhood.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 63 years, Betty J. (Graves) Murphy, whom he married April 4, 1948; two special nephews, Bruce (wife, Ann) Bussell of Greenfield and Gary (wife, Connie) Bussell of Muncie; niece, Gayle Graves (husband, Jim) Bryant of Richmond; niece, De Linda (husband, Bill) Crabtree of Muncie; a great nephew, Brian Bussell of Anchorage, AK; two great-great nieces, Melissa and Cristina Bussell; a sister, Wilma Jean Clevenger of New Castle; and several other great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Inez Darby, parents, Ben Murphy and Mabel Gorman; a sister, Hazel Bussell.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 14, 2011 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Curt Shaw officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2011 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Friends Meeting, 503 S Main St. New Castle, IN 47362, New Castle Breakfast Optimist Club/Henry County Community Foundation, PO Box 6006 New Castle, IN 47362, or the Henry County Hospital Hospice 798 N 16th St. New Castle, IN 47362. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com