Donald Herschel Murphy

Donald Herschel Murphy, 91, of Wortham, Texas, passed away on March 17, 2026, at his residence. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:00am at the First Baptist Church of Wortham with Reverend Steven Schulte and Reverend Justin Colquette officiating. Internment with military honors will follow at Wortham Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday evening from 5-7 pm at Jones Funeral Services in Mexia, Texas.

Mr. Murphy was born on July 17, 1934, in Wortham, Texas, to James Luther & Sara Ruth Jones Murphy. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. After his service, he worked as a mechanic for Nucor Steel in Jewett, Texas, where he retired after 25 years. He married Gloria Jean Richardson in Streetman, Texas, on December 26, 1992. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Wortham.

Preceding Donald in death were his parents; first wife, Bonnie Kelly Carter; sisters, Syble Wise, Oretha Middleton, Mary Faulkner, Jimmie Ruth Grimmett; brother, James R. (Buck) Murphy, Travis Murphy, and Arnold G. Murphy; and son, James W. Gilliam.

Left behind to cherish his memories are his wife, Gloria Murphy of Wortham; daughters, Donna (Clovie) McCord of Kirvin, Texas; Susan (Matlock) Rice of Sealy, Texas; Tita (Gary) Tucker of Hilltop Lakes, Texas; Tracy (David) Devers of West, Texas; son, James Randall (Randy) of Wortham, Texas; and sister, Atrelle White of Wortham, Texas; grandchildren , Donny (Crystal) Tucker, David (Krystal) Tucker, Bobby Tucker, Kevin (Anyssa) Devers, Kathryn (Mike) Champagne, Monica (William) Barton, Micah (Trey)Bates, Mariah (Colton) Edmonds, Casey (Jodi) Rice, Cade (Denni) Rice, and Robbin (Kirby)  Blankenship. Mr. Murphy is also survived by 23 great-children, and 2 more on the way.

Serving as pallbearers are Donny Tucker, David Tucker, Bobby Tucker, Casey Rice, Cade Rice, Ketch Weaver, Kevin Devers, and Micah McCord. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmie Bennett, David Sutherland, Mark Duke, Sam Wright, Michael Dunn, and Paul Dunn.

The Murphy family would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to Nelda and Shirley Busby for their loving care and support over the last few weeks. Thank you fortreating our daddy like he was one of your own. 

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