Wilfred Lewis Purchase, 83, of Green Ridge, passed away Saturday morning, October 17, 2009, at his home.
He was born September 2, 1926, in Green Ridge, a son of John Lewis and Bessie Hollenbeck Purchase. On August 14, 1949, in Green Ridge, he married Carolyn Jane Ream.
Mr. Purchase served sixteen months in the U.S. Army during World War II. He earned the rank of technician fifth grade and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. He was a member of American Legion Post 491 for over fifty years, Green Ridge Presbyterian Church, the Farm Bureau, Cattlemen Association, and the Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a member of the school board.
He and his wife, Carolyn, made their home on their century family farm raising cattle and row crops. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and playing cards. He loved to watch sports, especially his grandchildren; He appreciated talent of any kind and loved the beauty of nature.
Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Purchase, of the home; a son, W. Scott Purchase, and wife, Lisa, of Warrensburg; a daughter, Shawn Thomason, and husband, Mark, of Green Ridge; six grandchildren, W. Dean Purchase, Jon Russell Purchase, Brenda Kay Purchase (daughter, Riley), Robin Nichelle Petree (husband, Grant; daughter, Larrah), Derek Wade Thomason (wife, Lindsey; son, Chase), and Ashley Drew Goodman (husband, Derrick "Duke"; daughter, Kayley); and a brother, J.L. "Chub" Purchase, and wife, Betty, of Green Ridge.
He was preceded in death by his children, Mark Russell and Robin D'Ann; a grandson, Brian Louis Purchase; a sister, Zelma Louise Tullouek; and his parents.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Pastors Randy and Dianna Marcum, of the Green Ridge Presbyterian Church, officiating.
Casket bearers will be Jon Purchase, Dean Purchase, Derek Thomason, Duke Goodman, Grant Petree, and Reed McCollester.
Honorary bearers will be Ernie and Tootsie Durrill, John Detherage, Gene Hollenbeck, Jim Carter, Donald Sullivan, Ronnie Berry, Gene Scotten, Kevin Eilks, Jay Purchase, Joe Purchase, Richard Binder, Norman Morton, and Ronnie Sizemore.
Burial will be in Green Ridge Cemetery, with military honors by VFW Post 2591.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at Heckart Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.
