Edward Pursley was born in Santa Tecla, El Salvador on April 24, 1934, to Elisa Ulloa Morazan and Erdley Eldon Pursley. Edward’s siblings included Ernest Pursley and Elaine Pursley. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1942. Edward attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles, and then graduated in 1955 from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education. As an Air Force ROTC student, he accepted a commission after graduation that led to a long and successful career as an Air Force officer. He later earned a Masters in Public Administration and Management from George Washington University in 1966.
While in high school, he met Carole Jean Deavault, and they married in September 1955. Following the path of Ed’s military assignments, they traveled together around the world and lived in a variety of countries – United States, Japan, United Kingdom, along with combat service in Viet Nam. After completing 23 years of service as a helicopter pilot and flight instructor, he retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1978. Ed & Carole moved with the family to Oregon, where they owned and operated Carole’s Frames and Gallery for many years, first in Eugene, OR and then later in Florence, OR. They moved to Lacey, WA in 2005, as residents of the Panorama Retirement Community. Carole passed away in September 2019.
They celebrated the birth of five children over the course of their marriage, all of whom survive along with their spouses – Christopher & Dianne, Michael & Julie, Jeffrey & Robin, Mark & Lori, and Marie & Harlan – along with a total of 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Ed is survived by his younger brother Ernest Pursley.
Ed and Carole were devout Catholics for their entire married life. They served and volunteered with several congregations over the years, finally attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lacey, WA.
Ed passed away unexpectedly after a brief hospitalization following a fall in his home. He died peacefully on April 22, two days before his 90th birthday. He will be buried at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA, alongside Carole. They will both be missed.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6