Tobias "Toby" Robert Purnell

Tobias “Toby” Robert Purnell passed away on Friday, May 6 at Bloomington IU Health Hospital. He was 51 years old. Born to Gary R. Purnell and Kathleen M. Hays on March 30, 1971 in Bloomington, Indiana, he was a lifelong resident of the Bloomington community. Toby was preceded in death by his father (Gary Purnell), stepmother (Sharon Purnell), brother (David Huffman), maternal grandparents (Robert and Sally Schneider), and paternal grandparents (James and Joyce Purnell). He is survived by his children (Maybelle Sloan and Atticus Purnell, both of Bloomington), best friend and mother to his children (Merrie Sloan, also of Bloomington), his mother and stepfather (Carl and Kathleen Hays of Adel, Iowa), 4 brothers (Jason Purnell and wife Jamie, James “Hans” Huffman, Mark Huffman and wife Jackie, and Dustin Hays) and 2 sisters (Liesl Wingert and Claire Noonan). In addition, he leaves behind several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as multiple close friends whom he considered to be family.

The two most important things in Toby’s life were his children and his music. His first love was his kids - he adored them and loved to cook, go fishing, watch movies and laugh and joke around with them. Toby’s second love was music. He was known as an incredibly talented songwriter and musician, having performed with multiple music groups in the Bloomington music scene such as Big Mule, The Mary Janes and various guest appearances with other groups. Toby’s most notable bands were “The White Lightning Boys”, a bluegrass band that released a recording featuring Toby in 2011. Toby was also a member of the local cosmic country band “Payton Purnell”, who released a record including some of his original songs in 2012. Toby’s largest musical legacy included founding the well-known outlaw-country group “Crooked County” with Kurt Squire. The group eventually included both his brother, Jason Purnell, and best friend, Merrie Sloan, as well as several other close friends. Toby was the original songwriter for the group, eventually recording two albums (Whisky Burns, 1999 & Drunkard's Lament, 2001) and touring extensively with their music. Toby had a big, magical spirit and will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

A celebration of life service is being planned for family and close friends. All memorial donations made in Toby’s memory will be put towards his children’s education fund or the Bloomington recovery community.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com for the

Purnell family.

Family and Friends are invited to gather in loving memory and celebration of a life lived by Tobias Purnell.

Cascades Golf Course

Friday May 20th

5:00-9:00pm

Service at 5:30 pm

Pot luck dinner to follow

Ways to contribute:

Bring a side dish or dessert

Have a short story or song to share

Email digital photos for slideshow:

[email protected]

Bring an axe to pick on the patio!

Contact the Cheerleading Team to help with setup/teardown/supplies:

[email protected]

Toby's family is grateful for any contributions of support:

https://www.gofundme.com/.../support-the-family-of-toby...

This venue is a public golf course and the event will be in the Banquet Hall and patio in the main clubhouse. The course will be open for business at the time of the event. Parking may be limited depending on the turn out, so carpooling is recommended. Restrictions of the venue include no smoking within 30ft of any entrance and no alcoholic beverages that are not purchased at the bar on site adjacent to the Banquet Hall.