Danny Lee Murr

Danny (Dan) L. Murr, 96, passed away on August 14, 2026.

 Dan was born on May 30, 1930, in Elyria, Ohio. In 1938, he moved with his parents to New London, Ohio, where he grew up and graduated from New London High School in 1948.

 Following graduation, Dan proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. He attended Yeoman School in Norfolk, Virginia, before being assigned to Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45) in Bermuda. During his 28 months with the squadron, he flew a combat mission as a waist gunner in July 1950. He was honorably discharged on June 13, 1952. 

Following his military service, Dan embarked on a distinguished career in sports journalism. He began at The Reflector in Norwalk, Ohio, followed by The Journal in Lorain, Ohio, and The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, Florida. His career also took him to St. Augustine and the Gainesville Sun in Florida, The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette in Indiana, and ultimately to The Beacon-News in Aurora, Illinois, where he served as sports editor and columnist.

 An accomplished author and respected sports journalist, Dan earned numerous awards and honors from United Press International and Northern Illinois University Press. In 1982–1983, he was named Boxing Writer of the Year for the state of Illinois by the World Boxing Association, a testament to his knowledge, dedication, and contributions to the sport.

 Dan’s Catholic faith became an important part of his life when he converted to Catholicism on Easter Sunday in 1996 at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Ponte Vedra, Florida. He became an active member of CRHP and, in September 2014, was commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, allowing him to serve his parish and fellow Catholics in a meaningful way.

 Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Celeste; his three daughters, Nancy (Robert) Smallwood, Kathleen (Jimmie) Avant, and Tracee (Russ) Kellar; his stepsons, Dan (Robin) Devenny and Tom (MaryAnn) Devenny; and his stepdaughters, Susan (John) Sciolino, Barbara (Ernest) Gibson, and Kathy (Roy) Vollick. He also leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many cousins.

 He was preceded in death by his son and daughter-in-law, David and Susan Murr; his parents, Kenneth and Wanda Murr; his grandparents and great-grandparents; his first wife, Elizabeth, who passed away in 2004; his sister-in-law, Rosemary Lefebvre; and his brother-in-law, Joe Lefebvre. 

Dan will be cremated, and his ashes will be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida. 

A proud Navy veteran, accomplished author, dedicated journalist, and faithful Catholic, Dan lived a life marked by service, achievement, and devotion to his faith and family. His legacy lives on through the stories he told, the words he wrote, the lives he touched, and the generations of family who will carry his memory forward. May he rest in the peace of Christ, forever remembered and deeply loved.