Ferrell Purvis' Obituary
Ferrell Leo Purvis, age 89 of Centerville, Iowa passed away August 3, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa.
He was born on December 22, 1921, in Moravia, Iowa, to LeRoy and Essie Hiatt Purvis. He was the second of seven children. Ferrell graduated from Moravia High School in 1939. He served as a sergeant in the United States Army during World War II from October of 1942 through October of 1944.
Ferrell's outfit and fifteen tanks were headed to San Pietro, Italy. On December 15, 1943 his tank was hit and he was severely injured. Ferrell survived three days and three nights under an olive tree before being found and taken to a field hospital. He tolerated substantial pain and inconvenience as a result of that leg injury throughout the rest of his life.
He was discharged from the Army and returned to Iowa where he married Ruby Roberta Wakefield on June 2, 1945 in Centerville, Iowa. To this union they had two daughters, Linda Sue and Patricia.
Ferrell was a farmer and electrician. His passions were hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities. He was a loving and devoted father and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Ferrell could always be counted on to lend a helping hand and he was always recognized by his memorable laugh.
He passed away after struggling with health issues for the last couple years.
Those left to honor Ferrell's memory are his two daughters, Linda Sue (Joe) Pasa and Patricia Purvis; two grandchildren, Callie Pasa and Cody (Nicole) Pasa; two great grandchildren, Cameron Light and Hayden Pasa; siblings: Floyd (Maxine) Purvis, Freeman (Mary) Purvis and Florene Brown; his very special friend Fairy Hartman; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ferrell was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Roberta; his grandson Luca Pasa; two brothers, Forrest and Francis; and his infant sister Frona June.
Pallbearers will be LeRoy Brown, Gary Purvis, Carl Purvis, Lyle Purvis, Joe Pasa, and Cody Pasa. Honorary pallbearers will be Floyd Purvis, Freeman Purvis, Florene Brown, Dixie Phillips, Charlie Foster, and Fairy Hartman.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Monday, August 8, 2011 at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa. Burial will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Moravia, Iowa. A visitation will be held Sunday at Lange Funeral Home from 12PM-8 Pm, with the family present from 6-8 PM. Memorials have been established to the family and may be left at Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St
Visitation
August 07, 2011 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
Funeral Service
August 08, 2011 11:00 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
What’s your fondest memory of Ferrell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ferrell?
Share a story where Ferrell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ferrell you’ll never forget.
How did Ferrell make you smile?