Thomas P. Murphy

Dr. Thomas P. Murphy, affectionately known as Tom, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. Tom passed away peacefully from natural causes in Granger, Indiana. Born in Muncie, Indiana, on Aug. 3, 1931, and by God's good grace, he early on came to Christ as his Savior. His love for the Lord Jesus was a work in progress blessed by the Lord's relentless pursuit and continual gathering of Tom to Himself.

His formal education included Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where he was awarded a bachelor's degree. Continued studies took him to Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and on to Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, New Jersey, where he completed his Bachelor of Divinity degree. Further studies include Indiana University and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, where he received his Doctorate of Ministries.

Dr. Murphy's career was as diverse as it was fulfilling. He served as the pastor of United Methodist Churches in Indiana, Kentucky and New York, then as pastor at Gospel Center Missionary Church, in South Bend, Indiana. His devotion to evangelism and spreading the word of God spanned an incredible 70 years. His ability to inspire and mobilize was further demonstrated during a tenure with Cargill Associates, Fort Worth, Texas, with whom he led 120 Capital Campaigns, nation-wide, beyond and in The Missionary Church that gathered more than $100,000,000 for "Kingdom work." In later years, the denomination used him to work with distressed churches as an interim, helping them to transition into a healthy and God-glorifying future.

Dr. Murphy's dedication to service and education was also evident in his roles as chairman of the board of trustees at Bethel College-University in Mishawaka, Indiana, and chairman of Bethel Publishing Company and director of development and communication at Missionary Church denominational level. He was a driving force behind the John Wesley White and Billy Graham Crusades in metro South Bend, Indiana. He was a successive-voice on "Your Worship Hour Broadcast," following Dr. Quinton J. Everest.

Dr. Murphy's vision was best spoken by John Wesley, as "The World is My Parish," leading him to global labors in multiple countries with major emphases in Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and India.

Dr. Murphy is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Elsie, along with four children, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, five stepgrandchildren, 19 great-stepgrandchildren, and one great-great-stepgrandchild. He once remarked that his family prayer list was over 72, requiring serious time for intercession, thus explaining why more specifics are not included above.

He loved the forests and fields and in his better days delighted to be with his family amid lakes and streams. His current yard is a "Murphy's fly-through" feeding station for more than 20 varieties of birds that he so enjoys watching.

Dr. Murphy's life was an intentional testament to the power of faith, commitment to Jesus and love of the Word of God. His impact will continue to be felt in the many lives he touched, the communities he served, and the institutions he helped build and grow. His lifelong, passionate, never dying one-liner for anyone who would listen was: All you need, is Jesus.

Family and friends may gather from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Granger Missionary Church, 50841 Birch Road, Granger, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Church. Services celebrating Dr. Murphy's life will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Granger Missionary Church. The Rev. Jason Dickinson will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Contributions in Dr. Murphy's memory may be offered to Granger Missionary Church Missions fund. The Palmer Funeral Home-Bubb Chapel is honored to serve the Murphy family.