Richard Lee Purkey

Richard Lee Purkey, age 86, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded with family on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016 at his home. He was born on April 4, 1930 in Sylvania, Ohio, the son of Leno and Dorothy (Fallis) Purkey. Richard married his sweetheart, Florine Schultz on October 4, 1953 at the First United Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh and they shared 63 wonderful years together.

Richard served his country as Staff Sergeant in the USMC during the Korean War. He was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh for over 70 years where he served as deacon and then an elder. During his life he was co-owner of Lee Purkey & Sons Garage for 32 years and owned a Scotty Muffler franchise in Adrian and Tecumseh.

He was a volunteer Tecumseh fireman for 25 years, served as Lenawee County Commissioner, Tecumseh Public Schools bus superintendent, owner of RLP Fasteners. Member and past Commander of Tecumseh American Legion Post No. 34 and worked at Tecumseh Plywood as Yard Boss. He was an outstanding carpenter as well. Richard had a great appreciation for life and his family, he will be forever remembered by those whose lives he touched.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Florine; his daughters, Laura (Darrell) Bozeman of Hartland, Mich., and Shelley (Kevin) Hunt of Adrian, Mich.; grandchildren, Bethany (Rob) Wrona, Anthony (Sydney) Bozeman, Jennifer Bozeman, Thomas (Amber) Hunt, Joshua (Kristin) Silberhorn and Kathryn (Kam) Mueller; great-grandchildren, Violet, Nathan, Brooke, Shane, Nolan, Vincent, Logan, Levi and Audrey; his brother, Jim (Beverly) Purkey of Nokomis, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and Donald Purkey; and sisters, Bette Williamson and Lois Tilton.

Visitation for Richard was held on Wednesday, Aug., 17, 2016 at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at the First United Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow under the auspices of the Tecumseh American Legion Post No. 34 and the Tecumseh VFW Post No. 4187 at Brookside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Lenawee.

Condolences may be offered for the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.

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