Donald “Don” J. Murphy

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TORRINGTON – Donald “Don” J. Murphy was born on March 28, 1953. Don was the second of three sons born to Lowell and Faye Murphy. He was raised in Torrington and graduated from Torrington High School in 1971. He played football and wrestled during his school years. On April 12, 1975, he married Margie, the love of his life.

He worked for the family-owned business, Plains Building Supply, until 1980 when he started working as a Goshen County Deputy Sheriff. After working with the sheriff’s posse, he decided to make law enforcement a career. In the ‘80s he worked as a Deputy Sheriff and was promoted to undersheriff by Sheriff Werger. After an unsuccessful bid for sheriff in 1990, he went to work for the Torrington Police Department. In 1993 he was appointed to be the Sheriff and served in that capacity until he retired in May 2018.

He was a member of the First Wyoming United Presbyterian Church, participated in Mariners and was a co-leader of the Rap Youth Group. God was his constant guide. In the early 2000s Don was introduced to the sport of fast draw shooting. He and Margie competed enthusiastically together, traveling all over the western United States and into Canada. Throughout his entire life he was an avid handgun collector. He enjoyed his retirement with his family, especially his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. If he couldn’t attend an event in person, he followed on social media. 

Don passed away on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, at 10:04 p.m. surrounded by family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Dennis. He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Margie” (Schaffert) Murphy, brother, William “Billy” (Marti) Murphy, daughter, Stacey (Wade) Stroud, sons, Drew (Danielle) Murphy and Beau Murphy and grandchildren, Matthew, Evan, Logan, Conor and Emma, numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, from 2-5 p.m. at the Goshen County Rendezvous Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the Don Murphy Memorial at First State Bank in Torrington or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.