Edward Daniel Purcell

Ed was born on October 20, 1942, to Edward K. and Louella M. (Hahn) Purcell in Cincinnati, Ohio. He spent most of his growing up years on the mission field in Curacao and Suriname in South America. He graduated high school at the age of 17 and graduated with a degree from Owosso College in Owosso, MI. He was the oldest of four children–the family was also blessed with two daughters, Barb and Minnie, and another son, Tim.

Shortly after graduating college, he met Doris P. Crosby, and they were married on November 27, 1964. Together they had four children, David, Mike, Melodie and Rosalie. Throughout their life together, they pastored many churches in the Nazarene and Wesleyan denominations, including Hannibal, MO; Beatrice, NE; Amarillo, TX; Republic, MO; El Dorado, AR; Union, MO; Kokomo, IN; Princeton, IL and Huron, SD. Even after his retirement, Ed continued to minister by serving as an associate pastor and performing many wedding ceremonies.

He was one of the most outgoing and caring people. He regularly sought to build relationships with people to win them to the Lord. Ed was one of the most forgiving people one could ever meet. He easily befriended and accepted others. Throughout his life, one of his most effective ministries and meaningful times of fellowship occurred at the local coffee shop.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Barb and Minnie. He is survived by his wife, Doris Purcell of Olathe, KS, his brother, Tim (Dawn) Purcell of Charles City, IA, his brother-in-law, Frank Crockett of Silvis, IL, sons David (Lara) Purcell of Hoschton, GA, and Mike (Cheralea) Purcell of Glennallen, AK, and daughters Melodie (Jim) Williams of Olathe, KS, and Rosalie (Jeff) Barnes of Olathe, KS. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, with two more arriving soon, and numerous nieces and nephews who adored him.

A visitation will be held at Olathe College Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 9:00 – 10:30 am, with the funeral following at 10:30 am, in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wesleyan Church for the continued work in Suriname, South America. Click the link below to donate.

https://twchub.force.com/donorportal/s/fund/a1s3t000005PDppAAG/suriname-natl-ministry-shares

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilley-Frye.com for the Purcell family.