Matthew D. Murphy

Matthew Dale Murphy, age 58, loving father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, of Coleman passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 26th, 2021. Matt was born in Mount Pleasant, Michigan on November 2nd, 1962, the son of the late Frances Richard and Dorothy (Drake) Murphy. Matt worked loyally for Smillie Plumbing and Heating for 37 years and was a member of UA Local 85 Pipefitters and Plumbers union. He graduated from H.H. Dow High School of Midland where he excelled at varsity baseball among many other things, and went on to attend Northwood University. Matt was loved and cherished by everyone who knew him and had the most contagious smile. He was a devoted and loyal father and grandfather and the kind of person that would drop everything to help his family and friends. He spent his spare time working and hobby farming his 80 acres with his tractors, as well as, a multitude of other projects. He loved anything outdoors including hunting, camping, canoeing, and having bonfires and sharing drinks and laughs with friends and family. Matt is survived by his daughters, Nichol (Chris) Peters, Shannon (Aaron) Jones, Katie (Preston) Harsh, and Riley Murphy; grandsons, Conrad Peters, Garrett Peters, Dylan Jones and soon to be baby Harsh; mother Dorothy Jean Murphy; siblings, Michael (Judy) Murphy, Brian (Kathy) Murphy, Richard Murphy, Kelly Barber, Patrick (Lori) Murphy, and Ryan (Nona) Murphy; ex-wife Jeanette Brown Murphy; nieces and nephews Chad, Christa, Maggie, Logan, Jack, Joe, Elise, Megan, and Erin; close friend Jerry Benchley, and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Shannon Auclair and father Frances Murphy. There will be a visitation held at the Clare Chapel of the Stephenson Wyman Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 29th from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Following the visitation there will be a celebration of life at the Clare Moose Lodge where friends and family can have drinks and share memories and stories in Matt’s honor. Memorial contributions given in memory of Matt may be directed toward his family for a scholarship to be established for a Coleman High School graduate pursuing the skilled trades in Matt’s name. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared on the Murphy family page at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Matthew D. Murphy

November 2, 1962 - June 26, 2021