Harry Wray and Nina Mildred Stevens Wray

Ad-Express/Iowegian  - 26 January 2001

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  Harry Watson Wray, 90, of Numa died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001, at the Centerville Nursing & Rehab Center.

  He was born May 9 1910, in Corydon, the son of Charles and Sarah (Cunningham) Wray.

  He married N. Mildred Stevens June 3, 1936. She preceded him in death Jan. 23.

  Survivors include a son, Ivan Wray and his wife, GailMae, of Numa;p a daughter, Mabeth Natzke and her husband, Gale, of Davenport; three sisters, Katherine Politovich of Oroville, Calif., Nina Stierwalt of Stillwater, Okla., and Juanita Hutson of Vidalia, La.; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

  Also preceding him in death were his parents; an infant daughter, Donna Wray; four brothers, Clyde, Tyler, Lee and Eugene Wray; a sister, Bernadine Dykes; and a great-grandson.

    He received his education in a rural Wayne County School. He farmed several farms in Appanoose County and received the Soil Conservation Award in 1950 and 1962. He was a member of the New Providence Baptist Church in Confidence.

  Joint funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Centerville with the Revs. Bob James, Dale Shadoniz and Robert Pick officiating. Burial will follow in the Livingston Cemetery south of Numa.  Joint visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the New Providence Baptist Church or Livingston Cemetery and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

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  Nina "Mildred" Wray, 88, of Numa died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville.

  She was born July14, 1912, in Centerville, the daughter of Levi and Minerva (Jennings) Stevens.

  She married Harry Wray June 3, 1946, in Centerville. He survived her at the time of her death.

  Other survivors include a son, Ivan Wray and his wife, GailMae, of Numa; a daughter, Mabeth Natzke and her husband, Gale, of Davenport; two sisters, Leona Keller of Des Moines and Dorothy Reames of Newton; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

   She graduated from Centerville Community Schools and taught school for four years. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the New Providence Baptist Church in Confidence and the Women's Missionary Circle.

  Joint funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Centerville with the Revs. Bob James, Dale Shadonix and Robert Pick officiating. Burial will follow in the Livingston Cemetery south of Numa. Joint visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the New Providence Baptist Church or Livingston Cemetery and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

Kenneth E. Owen, 1918-2001

Ad-Express/Iowegian - 26 January 2001

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  Kenneth E. Owen, 82, of Jerome died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, at his home.

  He was born Sept. 1, 1918 in Jerome the son of Samual and Vera (Sedgwick) Owen.

  He married Frances Hamm Oct. 7, 1937, in Cincinnati. She preceded him in death.

  Survivors include a daughter, Diana Glenn and her husband, John, of Jerome; a son Keith Owen and his wife, Sharon, of Centerville; a sister, Dorothy Owen of Centerville; and four grandchildren.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Tommy, Hobard, Richard and Donald.

  He attended Jerome Elementary School, Centerville High School and Centerville Junior College He and his wife farmed for many years in Jerome. e was an Iowa  state representative for three terms, was Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and a field man for ASCS. He was instrumental in creating the Rathbun Regional Water Association of Centerville where he served as executive director for 20 years. He was selected Iowa Rural Water Manager of the Year, elected into the Iowa Rural Water Hall of Fame and served on the Iowa Rural Water Board of Directors. He was also Iowa Master Pork Producer, Iowa Master Corn Grower and named the Daily Iowegian's Citizen of the Year

  Funeral services were private, for family only, on Friday with the Rev. Terry Chapman officiating. A reception will follow from 3 to 6 p.m. at his home west of Jerome. Arrangements are being handled by the Johnson-Lange Funeral Home.
  A memorial has been established to the Jerome Cemetery Association.

Coming Home to Jerome - First Reunion

Ad-Express-Iowegian - 6 October 1988

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  A brightly decorated Jerome sign made by a former Jerome student welcomed over 200 Jerome graduates, teachers and friends back to their old home town. This was the first reunion ever held, and the committee was pleasantly surprised to have so many register from as far away as Nevada, Virginia, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and many cities in Iowa.

  The Methodist Church was filled to capacity for the opening of the festivities which began with a non-denominational church service. At that time Mildred Cathcart took the guests back to the early days when Jerome boasted a population of over 600 residents with her "History of Jerome." Catherine Mallett gave an interesting history of the Jerome Methodist Church, a church which has served the community for many years. Pastor Jim Schweizer delivered the morning message.  After the church service a bountiful noon luncheon was served. The committee and the church ladies had provided sandwiches, many salads, baked beans, and a great variety of cookies and hot and cold drinks.  Verle Brummitt furnished ice cream and Cokes. Guests arriving also brought so much food that extra tables had to be set up. The tent rented by some of the committee members proved to be a great place for eating and visiting.
  Merle Condra and Milford Inman drove up in old model cars and found a ready audience.  James Fox brought his train from Queen City, and it was popular with the older people as well as with the children.  Former residents enjoyed the ride around town pointing out where they had lived or where various business places had been. Another big attraction by Mr. and Mrs. LaVerne Disney listing the names of more than 600 Jerome students. Many of the names that were not available were written in by the viewers.
  In the afternoon, the guests were summoned back into the church where Catherine Mallett played her accordion, and old-time favorites were sung. At that time Verle Brummitt revealed his surprise of the day when he announced that the committee wished to dedicate the day to their former teacher and friend, Mildred Dooley Cathcart.
  One of the closing songs was "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" and friends seemed reluctant to say good-by to each other, so after many requests the committee agreed to plan one more reunion to be held on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend in 1989.
  Committee members who met regularly to plan the reunion were Chairman Verle Brummitt, Margaret Jones, Frances Owen, Phyllis Disney, Catherine Mallett, Mildred Cathcart, Paul McElvain and Merle Condra. Others attending some of the meetings were James Fox, Donald Purdy, Harry Sidles, Barney Mallett, Chesco Massa and Helen McElvain.
  The people attending the reunion were generous with their donations and their thanks for a day they will remember for a long time.

Rudolph Buyan, Jr., 1910-1991

Ad-Express-Iowegian - 9 September 1991

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  Rudolph Buyan Jr., 81, of Jerome died early Thursday morning, Sept. 5, 1991, at Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

  He was born in Jerome on July 6, 1910, the son of Rudolph Sr. and Katherine (Stemal) Buyan.

  He worked in the coal mine and served his country during World War II, stationed in North Africa and was a POW for 27 months at Stalag 3 in Germany. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

  Survivors include his brother, Joe of Jerome; a sister, Olga Matkovich of Melcher; and nieces and nephews.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Slofco; and a sister.

  Funeral services were held Saturday morning at 10:30 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Vincent Hoying officiating.  Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery. Rosary services were held Friday evening at 7 at the Lange Funeral Home.  A memorial was established to St. Mary's Catholic Church and may be left at the Lange Funeral Home.

Selected Local News - 3 May 1894

The Seymour Press - 3 May 1894

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  Early potatoes, Beauty of Hebron and Lee's Favorite for sale by Dr. Dyball.

  Richard Yarnell and wife went down to Numa, Tuesday, for a short visit.

  Jasper Stevens was awarded the contract for the erection of the Jerome school house.

  Mrs. Dr. Dyball is on a visit for a few days to Mrs. M. M. Wilson, of Numa, the doctor's sister.

   A large number of cases of measles in Seymour are keeping the doctors very busy. All cases so far developed are very mild.

  Dan Bennett purchased to lots in the Bradley addition last week and as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made he will put up a house. Dan sold his property to Hiram Cates a week ago with the intention of leaving Seymour and going to Jerome but being unable to find a suitable location at that place, returned to Seymour and dropped anchor.

  The Oddfellows of this place celebrated the seventieth anniversary of their order last Thursday by giving a fruit supper to their families and themselves. Addresses were made by D. H. Kerby, M. W. Thomas, David Tharp, J. M. Odell and I. N. Tennant.  It was a most enjoyable gathering and the events of the evening made stronger the faith in those present in the fraternal benevolence and charitableness of the disciples of Oddfellowship.

  It is high time that some means were being taken by the proper authorities towards the restriction of the numerous vags who are pouring into our town every day.  The presence of this class of people has long since become a nuisance and the conduct of certain of them has, just recently, bordered very closely onto criminality. Nearly every morning for the past week we have heard of somebody's residence bing pillaged during the past night. A very common tale we hear is of some boy or young man being held up by a gang of from five to eight tramps who demand cigars, cigarettes, tobacco, etc., and who threaten violence if their demands are not satiated. Of these tramps are allowed to roam at will around our town at night, acting the part of highwaymen and making insulting demands of those whom they meet we need not be alarmed on hearing of some brutal outrage soon, such as many other towns in the state have experienced lately.  Under the present state of affairs it is absolutely unsafe for any lady to be out after the shade of night have fallen unless accompanied by a male escort and equally unsafe for a man to go unarmed after night. The time is ripe when some action should be taken in this matter as a means of personal safety to our citizens.

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  On account of Ringling Bros. circus at Ottumwa, May 7th, the C. M. & St. P. R. will sell round trip excursion tickets at $2.00. Return coupon good until May 8th. J. W. Calvert agent.

Selected Local News - 31 August 1893

The Seymour Press - 31 August 1893

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  Hot baths reduced to 15 cents at Carson's barber shop.

  Oysters and prairie chickens are in order Friday, Sept. 1.

  Mrs.Nancy Wade, living near Plano, died Monday morning.

  Mrs. Minnie Butler and babe returned Friday to their home in Girard, Kansas.

  John Caldwell moved his household goods to Jerome, Monday, into his new dwelling just completed.

  A gang of dogs got into M. G. Cain's hog lot Monday night and chewed a 300 pound hot into frightful condition from which it will surely die.

  $7.25 to Chicago and $11.61 to Chicago and return via., Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway.  Return tickets good for 30 days.

   John, the one year and fourteen days old son of R. H. and Alice Miller, died last Thursday and was buried in the Jerome cemetery on Friday.

  Mr. and Mrs. Chas. H. Nicodemus wish us thank the many friends of theirs who showed so much kindness, for the valuable aid rended during their late bereavement.

Jerome Cursed with a "Blind Tiger" and Desperadoes

The Seymour Press - 6 February 1896

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  --Our neighboring little town of Jerome, while possessing the normal amount of morality, is cursed with a "blind tiger," the worst form of all the illicit dispensaries of whiskey, beer and such like.  A mean little dingy, dirty shanty near the railroad, unpicturesque, uninviting and unsuspicious looking enough to the casual observer, is where this nefarious and illegitimate sale of intoxicants is carried on, defying the officers who have time and again endeavored to break up the den by raiding it. But the man who pours out the stuff does it behind a solid partition makes the sale through a small, sliding box near the floor and of course is seen by no one. This makes it practically impossible for the officers to act intelligently in making arrests, although the booze has been arrested a number of times. A week or two ago the old joint up town, which had been unoccupied for several months, was town down or moved away and under where it had stood was discovered a rude cave with a subterranean passage leading several yardsaway where it came to an end with an exit aperture opening behind another shanty.

  --The presence of a gang of desperadoes, escaped convicts and all-around crooks whoe haunt is a miserable little shanty not a great way east of Jerome in an obscure and remote part of the heavily timbered locality is giving cause for monumental alarm, fear and uneasiness among the civilized denizens of these environs. Their haunt is known as the Drummond Monkey and there is at least a half dozen habitues of the den. The leader of the gang is a recently escaped convict and professional safe cracker. He conceals his identity by wearing a mask of long white hair and beard and is said by those who have seen him to resemble the old hermit so graphically depicted between the paper covers of the novel. A short time ago they came in a body to Jerome and at the blind tiger became gloriously jagged on the booze which is so easily gotten at that place. Their hilarity and boisterousness attracted a crowd of the sporty young fellows to the scene of their drunken orgies and unconsciously the thugs divulged many secrets of their past lives and future intentions declarations which they evidently otherwise could not have been forced to make.   Aooarently one member of the gang had a grievance against his pals or else the burden of his past sins was already more than he could bear without adding more to it, for he made his escape from the maudlin crowd, went to a prominent business man in Jerome and confessed to himj, after laying bare the past record and other details of the desperadoes, that they had come to Jerome for the purpose of looting his store, but that through his persuasion they had decided to wait until on or after  pay day, and implored the frightened store keeper to put on a force of well armed night guards. The proprietor of the store had implicit confidence in what the narrator divulged and lost no time in procuring five of the bravest men in the burg, gave each a Winchester and told them what would be expected in case an attack was made.  These vigils have been kept for over two weeks and no attack has been made but it is nightly anticipated.  While reveling in their drunken debauchery the bandits made startling displays of their money which the;y had in large sums concealed about their clothes.  Only a week of two ago a man was struck down and robbed while walking along the railroad track near the haunt of these land pirates and numerous local burglaries have been laid to them.

Soldier's Reunion = Co. B, 6th Kansas Cavalry

The Seymour Leader - 16 August 1906

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  All soldiers of whatever name or order as well as the general public are invited to come and enjoy the day with us.

  10:00 a.m. Song, Boys' Glee Club.

  Invocation, Rev. W. O. Smith.

  Address of Welcome, C. A. Conger.

  Response, J. J. Stone.

  Social Hour.

  Business Meeting and Election of Officers.

  Adjournment: Basket Dinner.

  Bring a well filled basket. Coffee and beans free to everyone.

  1:30 p.m. Song, Ladies Quartet

  Oration, Pearly Rinker.

  Song, Boys' Glee Club.

  Recitation, Nina Merritt.

  Five Minute Speeches by Old Soldiers and others.

  Recitation, Dottie Silvers.

  Song, Ladies Quartet.

  Flag Drill, Sixteen Little Girls.

  Adjournment.\

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The Seymour Leader - 23 August 1906

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  The reunion of Co. B, Sixth Kansas Cavalry and, incidentlally, others of the old comrades was held last Saturdy at his place according to program and the meeting was long to be remembered.  The program, as previously published in the Leader was carriede out and in this connection we have not time to mention all in detail. A basket dinner was served and enjoyed by all, at the dinner hour.

  The chief event of the day (aside from the dinner) was the splendid address by Purley Rinker in the afternoon on "The Problems of the Republic."  We present briefly a few points upon which the speaker touched and wish we might have room for the entire oration, which was certainly appreciated by all who heard it.

  After a brief introduction Mr. Rinker discussed the early problems of the republic; the problems which confronted the fathers. He dealt with the work of Hamilton, Jay, Marshall and Jefferson and showed that it was required of them to mould warring elements of the people into one harmonious whole and give our country a commanding position among the nations of the world.  Immediately following came the question of slavery. For over half a century it was discussed before the people, in the press and pulpit and for over half a century it occupied the foremost place in American statesmanship, when such men as Clay, Calhoun and Webster adorned the senate of the United States.

  The slave power, virile and aggressive, placed John C. Calhoun in the vice president's chair and made him the heir apparent of the presidential throne; when as a successor to the senatorial toga of Calhoun, Robert Y. Hayne of South Carolina appeared upon the senate floor and with his masterly and subtle logic ade a full and clear exposition of the and principles which for years had enthralled the minds of mighty statesmen. Then it was that Daniel Webster appeared upon the scene to battle in the senate for a cause, a constitution and a people that he loved; he dealt state rights a stinging blow; uttered the slogan of liberty and union; and in doing so, touched a responsive chord in the heart of the American people. The south, unable to gain a point by logic, was compelled to resort to arms.

  Right here the speaker paid a tribute to the men of Company B and their companions.  He spoke of the leaders who guided them to ultimate victory. When the was closed the dream of the fathers was realized, and in addition we were given universal freedom and an indissoluble Union.

  The speaker then showed that we, of the present day, had problems entirely different in their nature from the problems of the fathers; that our probldems are commercial; that the problem as shown by legislation and recent literature is the control of corporate wealth.  He asserted also that at the present time we were developing bold aggressive statesmen and he inclined to the belief that these qualities in our leaders would serve as an antidote for the conditions, and that we should look to these strong, aggressive characters to lead us onward and upward in the development of national purity and the perpetuity of our national greatness.

  The meeting was held in the leafy grove of the Christian church yard, which was pleasant and agreeable to all. Toward the close of the program a shower came up suddenly which drove the participants to cover.

  The members of the Sixth who were present at the reunion were John Goldsberry, Albert Root and Robert Wright, of Centerville, J. J. Stone, N. M. Scott, Mystic, J.Crouder, R. F. Rinker, Geo. Ross, John Farnsworth, Dan Coster, John Tibbets and W. J. Manning.  Besides these there were present a number of other soldiers of various regiments.  B. F. Bradley, W. W. Elliot, Geo. Sens, Joe Pratt, W. A. Park, W. W. Copley, W. I. Speers, Marion Gunter, Reuben Davis, James Lindsay, Jesse Kinney, N.C. Michael, J. C. Phillips, Isaac Gump, most all of this city or vicinity; John Adamson of Nebraska, Captain Wyckoff of Cincinnati, and a number of others whose names we cannot recall at this time. No record of those present was kept as far as we can ascertain. But 'twas a glorious event.

Select Local News Items - 27 July 1893ra

The Seymour Press - 27 July 1893

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Select Items from Local News

  --L. H. Clark was in Jerome Monday.

  --Jake Dewey was down from Jerome, Saturday.

  --The hum of the thresher is heard in the land.

  --Geo. Albey, of Numa, spent Sunday in our town.

  --Yesterday was pay day at the Chicago Coal Co. mine.

  --Chas. Nicodemus returned on Saturday from Chicago.

  --Mrs. Z. Double and daughter Lizzie spent Sunday in Hibbsville with relatives.

  --O. A. McGavran and wife, of Jackson, Mich., are visiting relatives at this place.

  --Miss Marcia Earnest left Saturday afternoon for a two weeks' visit with friends in Mt. Pleasant.

  --Dr. M. A. H. Jones has made arrangements to go to Mystic on Friday of each week to do dental work.

  --The Rock Island employess at this place were made happy yesterday by the arrival of the pay car.

  --Tobacco is injurious!  Stop it by taking Hill's Chloride of gold Tablets.  All first-class druggist sell them.

  --Mrs. J. W. Workman and children returned Sunday morning from a five weeks' visit in Washington county.

  --Barns, fences and bare walls are covered with flaming posters announcing the Forepaugh show at Centerville, August 7.

  --We want correspondents from Genoa and Kniffin; one who can furnish good, spicy letters giving all the events of interest.

  --We have obtained a correspondent at Promise City who will keep The Press readers posted on the happenings of that burg.

  --The Chicago Store advertises a grand clearance sale on the front page of this paper. An excellent opportunity for the ladies. Read it.

  --The ladies of the Eastern Star gave refreshments consisting of ice cream, cake, etc., in the methodist churchyard last Thursday and realized sixteen dollars for their efforts.

  --J. H. Thompson brought into our office this morning a stalk of timothy that measures 5 feet 11 inches from the to of the ground.  We would like to know if anyone can beat that.

  --A claim pushed against the Milwaukee railroad company by D. H. Kerby for $300 in settlement for four horses killed by the cars last April has just been paid to W. A. Hagan, of Jerome.

  --The ten-months old child of Mr. E. W. and Mary Adamson, near Numa, died Monday morning and was interred in the Numa Cemetery in the evening. The funeral services were conducted by Elder Ammons of this place.

  --For the past two weeks our ready prints have been a day late in reaching us from Chicago thereby throwing us several hours behind time with our papers. We hope our readers will look over this matter which we can't avoid.

  --Grand salvation army meeting in Hoschar's hall, Tuesday evening August 8. Adjutant and Mrs. Harris will be with us, with their songs and music.  Everybody come to hear and see for yourselves.  Meeting inside at half past seven.

Select Local News Items - 17 January 1895

The Seymour Press - 17 January 1895

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Select Items from Local News

  --H. C. Rinker had his address changed from Centerville to Iowa City. He is attending the law department of the state university.

  --The cold snap that came down on us last week froze ice sufficiently thick for packing and every available team, man and large boy in town was employed by the packers. The ice is of a good quality, but in some cases had to be hauled a considerable distance.

  --On Wednesday night of last week the Eastern Stars initiated into their order Misses Sidles and Hagen, of Jerome. There was quite a large attendance at the meeting and after the mysteries of the order had been thoroughly unraveled to the candidates, dainty and palatable refreshments were served to all for which Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Browne and Miss Sade Bradley will ever be held in fond remembrance.

  --Sam Rickords had a narrow escape one night last week in which he came near losing his last shirt. He had three, lucky man, two of them were hanging out on the clothes line and the third he had on. The two on the line were stolen. 'Twas a pow'ful norry 'scape for Sam.

  --J. H. Matkins handles the best coffee in the market. It is called Easly Breakfast and he says he never handled a coffee. in all his experience that gave more universal satisfaction. And that isn't all, it costs no more than inferior grades. Examine it, taste it, smell it, and you will buy it.

--C.S. Byrkit assistant secretary of the state of Iowa says:  "I have used Dr Eells' Pain Pad several years and consider it the best remedy for the relief of pain in existence; it cures acute pain of any kind in from fifteen to twenty minutes"  Dr. Eells' Pain Pad taken internally relieves the most severe pain instantly.

  --J. B. Rankin, D.D.G.M. and S. C. Beck, Grand Marshall, of Allerton, installed officers of the Lone Tree Lodge No. 352, I.O.O.F. last Saturday evening, as follows: F. V. Inskeep, N.G., Earnest Schnobley, V.G.; Dr. O. A. Cover, Rec. Secy.; W. O. Bateman, Per. Secy,; Ira T. Blakely, Treas. After the installation the members adjourned to the west side oyster parlor and C. E. Earnest catered to their wants.

Company B, Sixth Kansas Cavalry Reunion

The Seymour Democrat - 19 July 1906

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  There has been a change of date for his year's reunion of the survivors of Company B, Sixth Kansas Cavalry which is to be held in Seymour.  The reunion will be held on Saturday, August 18, instead of August 11, as that date interferes with the Old Soldiers meeting at Corydon.  Instead of having the meeting at first announced at the home Mrs. Pendergast, it will be held in the park on the public square and the G. A. R. and Women's Relief Corps of Seymour are making great preparation for the even and all of the members of the company who have heard of the new arrangements are anticipating more that the usual interest at the reunion. The word has gone forth that "beans and coffee" will be free and there will be an addess by Purley Rinker, one of the Company B. comrades. The Milwaukee will run a special train from Mystic to Seymour on this date for the accommodation of the Old Soldiers and for all those wishing to attend.  They are making large preparations to acommondate a large crowd and everyone is cordially invited to attend. --Mystic Letter

Donald Richard Purdy, 1925-2012

Daily Iowegian – 30 October 2012

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   GAHANNA, Ohio — Donald Richard Purdy, 87, formerly of Centerville, passed away on Oct. 13, 2012, in Gahanna, Ohio, at the home of his son, Richard L. Purdy.
  Donald was born June 22, 1925, in Jerome, to Henry and Edith (Dooley) Purdy. On Sept. 23, 1944, Donald married Vera Beatrice Riggle.  Donald accepted Christ and was baptized at the Chelsea Christian Church in Kansas City, Kan.
  Donald was a worker. At an early age, he started working with his dad and brothers in their family-owned coal mine. He continued working at the mine until its closure in 1945 when the war ended. Don worked at Wrights Hardware in Seymour. He did factory work at plants in Moline, Ill., and in Kansas City, Mo. Don was employed by the Kansas Turnpike Authority. After graduating from Sales Training Institute, Don sold heavy equipment in Kansas. In 1970 Don quit sales to work for the city of Lawrence, KS, as their City Supervisor over sanitation. Then Don left city life. He and wife Vera bought and operated a marina on Leavenworth County State Lake in eastern Kansas. Donald sold the marina and retired in 1980. 
  Donald attended Jerome and Promise City public schools. Donald graduated from the Sales Training Institute in Kansas City, Kan. 
  Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Robert and Francis, his sisters Ellen Anderson and Ruth Matley, his daughter Donna Jeanette, and his son David Edward. 
  Donald is survived by wife Vera Beatrice (Riggle) Purdy; brother David Edward Purdy; son Richard Leslie Purdy and wife Wilma; grandchildren Donnie Edward Purdy and wife Tina, Linda Purdy, Christina Louise (Purdy) Cutshall and husband Ronald, and Cynthia Yvonne (Purdy) Hatch Hendricks and husband Shawn; 14 great  grandchildren; and special cousin Lois Scully. 
  Donald enjoyed camping with his family. He was an avid fisherman who spent much time on the water. A member of the Lawrence Gem and Mineral Club, Don was a rock hound who enjoyed doing lapidary work. Donald attended Christian church services. He was a member of Sertomas and participated in their community services. 
  Visitation will be a one-hour memorial service at the Lange Funeral Home & Crematory in Centerville starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, followed by a graveside service at the Jerome Cemetery at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Jerome Cemetery or to Circle of Friends in Chariton. Pall bearers: Cameron Hatch (great grandson), Linda Purdy (granddaughter), Shawn Hendricks (grand son-in-law), and Larry Anderson (nephew).  Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.