Robert (Bob) Leonard Purkey

Robert (Bob) Purkey, 85,  of Brooklyn, formerly of Tecumseh, passed away May 18, 2010, at 6 a.m. at  Bixby Hospital, with his family at his bedside.   

He served his country in the U. S. Army, W.W.II in Africa and Italy and received two Purple Hearts.  He was employed at Lee Purkey and Sons garage, along with being a Tecumseh Policeman and Firefighter.  He also worked for the Tecumseh Public Schools.  Robert retired from the Veterans Administration where he worked in Ann Arbor and Toledo, Ohio.  Some of Bob's hobbies included lots of fishing and hunting, woodworking,  the enjoyment of outside barbecues and float boat rides.

Robert was born July 12, 1924, in Toledo, Ohio, the oldest son of Leno (Lee) and Dorothy (Fallis ) Purkey.  He was married for 50 years to Ellen Mohr.  They wed  on April 7, 1946, in Tecumseh.  Together they had five children, Judith  (Calvin) Rickard of Tecumseh, Patti (Lendall) Milheim of Tecumseh, Lee  (Julie-Yong Ping) Purkey of The Villages. FL/Shanghai, China,  Susan (Darrell) Honeywell of Murfeesboro, Tenn.,  and David (Connie) Purkey of Tecumseh; 11 grandchildren, Terri Sue (Tim) Barno of Canton, Mich., Calvin (Lisa) of Evergreen, Colo., Kristy Milheim of Ann Arbor, Michelle Purkey of Tallahassee, Fla., Cory Purkey of Olive Branch, Miss., Carrie Purkey of Horn Lake, Miss., Jason Klingensmith, Kristin, Kimberly, Katherine and Kellie Purkey of Tecumseh; two step-granddaughters, Ling Ling and Fei Fei of Shanghai, China; seven great-grandchildren, Melanie and Matthew Barno of Canton, Morrison, Lantz, and Everet Rickard of Evergreen, Colo. and Isaih and Cara Purkey of Horn Lake, Miss.  

Robert is also survived by his sister, Lois Tilton of Tecumseh;  brothers, Richard (Florine) Purkey of Tecumseh and Jim (Bev) Purkey of Nokomis, Fla.; sister-in-law, Bonnie (Donald) Purkey; and many nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Bette Williamson; brother, Donald Purkey; and his beloved cat, Peanut.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.   Graveside services for family and friends were held at Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh with Richard Purkey officiating.   Military honors were performed by the Michigan Army National Guard Honor Guard Team.   

Memorial contributions in Robert's name may be made to VFW of Tecumseh or Michigan Heart Association or charity of your choice.  

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.  Condolences to the family may be made online at www.pursefuneralhome.com.