JOHN PURDY

SPENCERVILLE — John William (Bill) Purdy passed away on December 6, 2014 at home following a long battle with cancer.

He was born on February 28, 1936 at home in Allen County Ohio to parents John (Burdette) Purdy and Thelma (Grace) DeLong, both deceased and was also preceded in death by his older brother Ralph Eugene (Gene) Purdy. He married Ann Tisor in Bradford, Ohio on June 12, 1957 who survives.

His younger sister Sharon Lee Bradford (Russ, deceased.) also survives as well as a sister in law Helen (Robert, deceased.) Tobias of Bellbrook, Ohio.

His children include, John William Purdy, Jr (Kathy Irick) and Nancy Ann Kinkley (Matthew). Grandchildren include, Jason Purdy (Angie), Jordan Purdy (Katie Vergona), Jarrod Kinkley, Scott Kinkley, Erin Kinkley, David Irick, and Emma Redmon (Austin). He and Ann are expecting their first great grandchild in January.

While growing up, Bill worked on the family farm with his Uncle Chester (Chetty) McPheron. He graduated from Spencerville High School in 1954 and was employed by Excello, Kettering Fire Department as a dispatcher, and Western and Southern Life Insurance. He was a graduate of the Lewis Hotel Motel Schools Career Academy in January 1971, from which he launched a successful career in the restaurant management field at places such as the Van Wert Holiday Inn, Cassanos, and Mr. Steak/Grandma Browns in the Dayton area. He retired from Lear Fire Equipment in 1998.

Bill's government and community service included the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. He was active in the Spencerville JayCees, a member of the Spencerville United Church of Christ, where he served multiple terms as board president, and a member of the Spencerville American Legion.

A large part of Bill and Ann's life centered around their involvement in the Masonic community both locally and at large. He began his Masonic journey in the Acadia Blue Lodge Chapter 306 in Spencerville where he served as the Worshipful Master on more than one occasion. He was a member and past High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons Spencerville Chapter, commander of the Van Wert Ivanhoe Commandery, participating also in the National Championship Drill Team. He also served as a Worthy Patron in the Spencerville Order of the Eastern Star. The service in all of these lodges earned him his Knights York Cross of Honor as well as his entrance into the Ancient and Accepted Order of the Scottish Rite 33° Masons, Toledo Valley. In addition, he was also the Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio 1994-95.

Perhaps most of all, Bill enjoyed attending his grandchildren's activities and spending time with family and friends. He and Ann spent winters over the last 12 years in Lake Wales, Florida where they formed many other friendships and touched other lives.

Memorial contributions may be made to Spencerville United Church of Christ or St. Rita's Hospice.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday December 9, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Thomas E Bayliff Funeral Home. Masonic services will follow the visitation on Tuesday at 8pm.

The funeral service will begin at 10:30 am on Wednesday at the Spencerville United Church of Christ, with Reverend Vince Lavieri officiating following a one hour viewing preceding the funeral service.
Condolences may be expressed at tbayliff@woh.rr.com