- Date Of Birth: August 17, 1910
- Date Of Death: December 21, 2012
- State: Indiana
Leroy Francis Murphy, affectionately known as “Uncle Shorty” to his many nephews and nieces, died peacefully Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was 102 years young.
Annie, his wife of 67 years, was at his bedside along with close friends Jessie, Mary Jane Craft, and Bill Fenimore, his home caregiver for the last seven years.
He was born Aug. 17, 1910, in Chicago to Frank and Angeline Murphy. Leroy was one of 10 children. He was the last living child of Frank and Angeline.
He is survived by his loving and amazingly strong wife, Annie, whom he married on May 12, 1945. Leroy has many nephews, nieces, and friends who love him dearly and who benefited immensely from his humor, wisdom, and tenacity for living life to its fullest.
All who knew him, especially those who knew and loved him as “Uncle Shorty,” will sorely miss him.
Leroy Murphy served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre during World War II. He was employed at Elkhart Rubber Works.
He was a passionate fan of Notre Dame football and the Chicago Cubs. Leroy loved to play golf, bowl, and play tricks on his nephews and nieces, who to this day still know you need to use the magic words “Uncle Shorty” to get out of a leg lock around your waist.
He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Elkhart, where he served as an usher for many years. Leroy was also a life member of Knights of Columbus Council 1043 in Elkhart.
