Donald G. Murphy

Donald G. Murphy

Aug. 8, 1929 - May 28, 2023

TOPEKA, Kan. - Donald G. Murphy passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the age of 93.

Don was born August 8, 1929, in Woodston, Kan. to Elton J. & Alice M. (Manion) Murphy. Don and his sisters Irma, Elaine and June grew up on their family farm.

Don graduated from Woodston High School in 1947 and attended Kansas State University, where he studied agricultural sciences and completed his degree in 1951.

Don accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 18 years, while driving a tractor in the field. He later felt a calling into the ministry and attended seminary at Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C.. Don graduated in 1954 and returned home to pastor a small church in Stockton, Kan.

In 1960 Don was called to First Southern Baptist Church in Liberal, Kan., as Minister of Music and Education. It was there that he met Laverta (Sublett), the church secretary. They married on Sep. 17, 1960, and soon after, answered God’s call to pastor a mission church there in Liberal, Emmanuel Baptist. Don and Laverta began their family, with Stan and Sharla being born during those years.

Don was called to Syracuse, Kan. in 1969 to pastor Immanuel Baptist Church. That small mission church grew and so did their family. Stuart and Steve were born while serving in Syracuse.

McCook, Neb. and Egan Park Baptist Church called them to pastor in 1976. It was their church family for nearly 24 years until retirement at the end of 1999. Don and Laverta made the decision to move to Topeka, Kan., where lots of family and other opportunities for service were abundant. They each used their gifts to minister to others as called upon.

Don’s greatest joys in life were his family and seeing people come to a personal relationship with God.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Laverta, sons, Stan, Stuart (Shalyn), Steve (Lara) all of Topeka and daughter, Sharla (Bruce) Johnson of Valentine, Neb. Grandchildren, Donovan, Jillian and Delaney Murphy; Elliot and Solomon Murphy; Seeley, Sierra and Sage Murphy; Calli, Kyle and Scott Johnson, and Kim (Johnson) Hiser.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Fri., June 2 at First Southern Baptist Church, 1912 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, Kan.

A private family inurnment will take place prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the church.