John E. Murray, 81 of Monroe, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo.
Born May 29, 1942 in Columbus, OH, John was the son of the late Charles and Frances (Edwards) Murray. He served in the Army Reserve and was a proud patriot of the United States of America. On June 18, 1966, he married Barbara K. Newby at St. Paul's United Methodist Church and together, raised three children.
John, or "Dad" to his children and "Papa" / "Great Papa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was a man with a story that was never far away and who could fix anything with a tool in hand.
For 35 years, John's dedication to Ford Motor Company in Woodhaven ran deep, evident in the countless tools and dies he crafted with precision and skill. But his true masterpiece was his family.
John's heart bled scarlet and gray, a lifelong and passionate Ohio State Buckeyes fan. When he wasn't cheering on his team, you could find him on the golf course, meticulously perfecting his short game. Classic cars, including his rebuilt 1969 Chevy Camaro, also held a special place in his heart, their timeless designs mirroring the enduring love he had for his friends and family.
He leaves behind a legacy of love in his wife of 57 years, Barbara; son, Kevin (Brenda) Murray of Monroe; daughter, Kristina (Ronnie) Walker of Dundee, MI; daughter-in-law, Beth Murray of Newport, MI; brother, James (Judy) Murray of Tucson, AZ; sister, Carol Murray of Hilo, HA; seven grandchildren: Chelsea (Ryan) Rupp, Joshua (Gabby Dixon) Walker, Jessica (Mike) Nash-Theiss, Adam (Avery Timblin) Murray, Tayler (Jake) Frailey, Bethany (Eli) Albright, and Nick (Kaysie Pancone) Murray; and 10 joyful great-grandchildren.
John's journey to heaven was preceded by his parents, Charles and Frances; brother Charles "Chad" Murray; and his beloved son, Brian Lee Murray.
John will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, and a love for life that could fill a workshop many times over. He will be deeply, deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Family and friends may visit from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15th at Bacarella Funeral Home. At 7 p.m., Ronnie Walker will honor John's life along with family sharing of memories. Cremation and interment at Roselawn Memorial Park will follow in accordance with his wishes.
For anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of John, the family recommends supporting the Shriner's or St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .