Dennis Duane Purdy

PURDY, Dennis Duane, husband and father of three daughters, passed away at the age of 69 on Friday, September 3, 2021.  Dennis was born January 13, 1952, in Marion, IN to Elwin and Velma (Hare) Purdy.  He married Marylyn Hermenitt in 1970 just before serving in Vietnam where he earned 2 bronze stars.  After the war, he settled with Marylyn in Delton, Michigan where they raised their family.  Dennis enjoyed working with computers and owned a computer repair shop in Michigan for many years.  He met Margaret Kelly, his second wife, during that time and eventually moved with her to Brooksville, Florida in 2007.

Dennis loved driving, and particularly showing his family new parts of the country.  He also loved camping, especially at Holland State Park in Michigan, which is a long-time family tradition that is still carried on today.  In fact, he spent his last month’s traveling around Michigan with Margaret in their motorhome.  He was a great supporter of his grandchildren in their sports and truly enjoyed traveling the country to watch and cheer them on.  He derived great joy and entertainment from a rousing discussion or debate and loved to weave a creative tale.  He was never without words. 

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Elwin, and mother, Velma.  He is survived by his wife Margaret, daughters & sons-in-law: Michelle Curtis, Melissa & Mark Reitz, and Stephanie & Chris Smith; stepchildren and their spouses: Jeff & Nikki Kelly, Allison & Santos Hinojosa, and Austin Kelly; 15 grandchildren as well as his brothers & sisters-in-law: Dwight & Pat Purdy and Doug & Jean Purdy; sister & brother-in-law: Dawn & Larry Gladback, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held on September 13, 2021, at the Brooksville Wesleyan Church, 22319 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL at 2 o’clock with visitation starting at 1 o’clock.  A graveside service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI on September 23, 2021.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Brooksville Wesley Church Memorial Garden Fund or Electrical Project for their Pavilion.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

(352) 796-6699

“Family Owned & Operated”

www.merrittfuneral.com