J. GILBERT PURSE

J. Gilbert Purse, 68, of Tecumseh, died February 1, 2008, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, after a brief battle with cancer.  Gil was born December 15, 1939, in Ferndale, MI, the son of A. Gilbert and Marguerite (Richards) Purse.

He attended Olivet College and was a graduate of Wayne State University, Mortuary Science Class of 1960. He was the owner of Peninsular Casket Company, Dearborn, MI until 1971, when he purchased Dunn Funeral Home in Tecumseh, MI  and renamed it J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home shortly thereafter. Gil also began a second location of J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home in Adrian, MI in 1989, and together with his sons operated both funeral homes. Gil was a former member of the Tecumseh Club, Tecumseh Country Club, Tecumseh Rotary Club, and   Tecumseh Masonic  Lodge #69 F. & A.M.

Surviving are his wife Judy, two sons; Barry Gilbert, and Gary Gilbert; the mother of his children, Marilee; two sisters, Virginia Morrish, and Marilyn (Cliff) Dean, and his beloved Black Lab, "Shelby". He was preceded in death by his father, A. Gilbert in 1988, mother Marguerite in 2000, and brother-in-law, Dr. James Morrish in 2000.

According to Gil's wishes, private burial will take place in Bradenton, FL, where he loved to fish. Memorial services will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Lloyd Jewett officiating.  
A reception with food and refreshment in honor of Gil will follow the service at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh. Condolences may be offered at: www.pursefuneralhome.com