Stephen L. Murphy, 77, of Kentland, passed away at 2:31 a.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022 at IU Health Hospital of Lafayette. He was born March 14, 1944 in Lafayette to the late Willard and Margaret (Moynihan) Murphy.

Stephen was a 1962 graduate of A.J. Kent High School. His marriage was to Patricia Unger on August 4, 1962 at St. Joseph’s in Kentland, and she survives. 

He was a long time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Stephen was produce manager for 50 years at Murphy’s Food King of Kentland. He really liked and appreciated the store’s customers and will be remembered by many as that “friendly guy to chat with in the first aisle”! He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Stephen loved watching his kids and grandchildren in their sporting events and enjoyed following NASCAR.   

Surviving along with his wife are their children: Scott Murphy of Kentland, Angie Murphy of Fowler, Shelley Murphy (partner Shannon Cothran) of Brook, and Brian Murphy of Lafayette. Also surviving are grandchildren: Travis Sondgerath, Kenneth Applegate (fiancé Devin Hall), Samuel Applegate (wife Kendra), and Noah Applegate, sister-in-law Phyllis Murphy; and many nieces and nephews—all of whom he loved very much.

Preceding him in death along with his parents are two brothers, Jerry and Ernest Murphy.

Friends may call from 4-7 PM (CST) Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home of Kentland. Rosary service to begin at 3:45 PM (CST).  Funeral Mass at 11 AM (CST) Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kentland. Fr. Robert Bernotas to officiate. Interment to follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.  

Memorial donations may be made in Stephen’s name to a charity of your choice.