Paul B. Murray

Paul Blaine Murray, age 88 of Osceola, passed away at the Center for Hospice, Raclin House on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.  Paul was born March 17, 1933 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late William Howard and Audrey Irene (Murphy) Murray.  He was raised in West Virginia where he graduated from High School in 1950 at the age of 17.  Immediately following graduation, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served during the Korean War before his honorable discharge in 1953.  Following his time in the service, Paul attended the University of West Virginia at Morgantown.  He later married Mary Lee Looney and they celebrated 62 years of marriage before her passing in 2018.  On March 17, 2020 Paul married Ida Mae Gingerich.  They had recently celebrated their first anniversary.

Ida Mae survives, along with Paul’s sons Kenneth Lee Murray of Portage, Indiana and Ronald Clark (Tina) Murray of Spokane, Washington.  Surviving as well are Ida Mae’s sons Jim Schmucker of Osceola, Chris Schmucker of Mishawaka, and Tony Schmucker of Osceola.  Paul is also survived by five grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several step and step-great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his son David Blaine Murray in 2008 and all ten of his siblings.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  Pastor Brent Zumbrun will officiate the 1:00 pm funeral service on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Cruz Family Funeral Home and Paul will be laid to rest by his first wife Mary Lee in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens where military honors will be rendered in honor of his service.

Paul was employed for many years as a machinist and later in quality control at various machine shops in the area.  He retired at the age of 62, and spent his time working crossword and other puzzles daily, using his talents as a woodworker to build furniture and other useful items in the workshop behind his home, and watching westerns on TV. Paul also loved to play golf and had the honor of playing a round at the Links at St. Andrews while visiting Scotland.  In his younger days, Paul and his family sang as a group in churches throughout West Virginia.  He also spent many summers coaching his sons’ teams at the Osceola Little League and enjoyed pitching horseshoes in his backyard with friends and in the Mishawaka Leagues at Battell Park.

Paul will be remembered for his kind and generous nature.  In his memory, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.  To leave a message of condolence for his family, light a virtual candle in his memory, or view his digital video tribute, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.