1930
Bill
2012
Bill Purkey
June 12, 1930 — June 12, 2012
Bill Purkey, 82, beloved husband and family man, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at his home.
Bill was born August 29, 1929 in Verdigris, OK to Virgil and Cordia Purkey. He was reared and educated in the Verdigris school system where he graduated in 1948. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Lee Dixon, in the same year and remained passionately devoted to her throughout their 64 year marriage.
He and Wanda made their home in Claremore, OK for many years, where Bill owned the Farmers Insurance Agency. He was active in church and community, serving as Bible teacher, deacon, song leader and City Council member. In 1988, he and Wanda moved to the Kansas City, KS area where the family home still remains.
Bill felt one of his greatest accomplishments was his family and the rearing of his two sons, Mike and Mark. He was immensely proud of them and wouldn't hesitate to tell you that God had blessed him with the best family in the world. When each of his sons felt called to be in ministry, he couldn't have been happier and remained ardent supporters of their ministry endeavors.
After moving to the Kansas City area, Bill was an active member of Lenexa Christian Center, where his older son, Mike, is senior pastor. He seldom missed a service and you could always count on seeing he and Wanda sitting in their familiar seats on the front row. His strong and un-wavering faith was an inspiration to his family and friends.
When he wasn't attending service or a church function, Bill could be found on the golf course. He loved golf and managed to get in 18 holes almost every single day. He especially enjoyed his Thursday golfing ritual with close friends. As much as he loved golf, he loved family even more and so looked forward to family gatherings and meals. Bill had a great sense of humor and you could be assured there would be plenty of laughter.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents. In addition to his wife, Wanda, of the home, he is survived by Mike and wife, Mary, of Olathe, KS; Mark and wife, Susie, of Mustang, OK. He leaves 4 grand-children, Matt and wife, Jeannie; Jon and wife, Lisa, all of Lenexa, KS; Luke and wife, Andrea, and grand-daughter, Lyndi, all of Mustang, OK. He is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren who were the pride and joy of his life: Hannah, Harrison and Elizabeth (parents Matt and Jeannie), Jonathan, Jaxon and Brixton, (parents Jon and Lisa), and Beckham, (parents Luke and Andrea).
In addition, Bill is survived by sister, Fondella Pritchard and brother, Don, and his wife, Marge, all of Claremore, OK and a host of nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11am, Saturday, June 16, at Lenexa Christian Center with visitation preceded at 10am. Interment will be following the church service at Johnson County Memorial Gardens.
Bill was born August 29, 1929 in Verdigris, OK to Virgil and Cordia Purkey. He was reared and educated in the Verdigris school system where he graduated in 1948. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Lee Dixon, in the same year and remained passionately devoted to her throughout their 64 year marriage.
He and Wanda made their home in Claremore, OK for many years, where Bill owned the Farmers Insurance Agency. He was active in church and community, serving as Bible teacher, deacon, song leader and City Council member. In 1988, he and Wanda moved to the Kansas City, KS area where the family home still remains.
Bill felt one of his greatest accomplishments was his family and the rearing of his two sons, Mike and Mark. He was immensely proud of them and wouldn't hesitate to tell you that God had blessed him with the best family in the world. When each of his sons felt called to be in ministry, he couldn't have been happier and remained ardent supporters of their ministry endeavors.
After moving to the Kansas City area, Bill was an active member of Lenexa Christian Center, where his older son, Mike, is senior pastor. He seldom missed a service and you could always count on seeing he and Wanda sitting in their familiar seats on the front row. His strong and un-wavering faith was an inspiration to his family and friends.
When he wasn't attending service or a church function, Bill could be found on the golf course. He loved golf and managed to get in 18 holes almost every single day. He especially enjoyed his Thursday golfing ritual with close friends. As much as he loved golf, he loved family even more and so looked forward to family gatherings and meals. Bill had a great sense of humor and you could be assured there would be plenty of laughter.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents. In addition to his wife, Wanda, of the home, he is survived by Mike and wife, Mary, of Olathe, KS; Mark and wife, Susie, of Mustang, OK. He leaves 4 grand-children, Matt and wife, Jeannie; Jon and wife, Lisa, all of Lenexa, KS; Luke and wife, Andrea, and grand-daughter, Lyndi, all of Mustang, OK. He is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren who were the pride and joy of his life: Hannah, Harrison and Elizabeth (parents Matt and Jeannie), Jonathan, Jaxon and Brixton, (parents Jon and Lisa), and Beckham, (parents Luke and Andrea).
In addition, Bill is survived by sister, Fondella Pritchard and brother, Don, and his wife, Marge, all of Claremore, OK and a host of nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11am, Saturday, June 16, at Lenexa Christian Center with visitation preceded at 10am. Interment will be following the church service at Johnson County Memorial Gardens.
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