Dwayne Anthony Purnell Sr.

1 of 13 siblings, Dwayne married Myra Elaine Sykes on his birthday, Nov. 9th, 1985. To their marriage they conceived four sons: Demetrius (Connie), Darrius (Nadeana), Dathean (Jasmine), and Dae’John. Prior to the marriage Dwayne had two sons, his oldest Randall Young (Kia) and Dwayne Purnell Jr.

Through their marriage, Dwayne and Myra also adopted some wonderful young men: DeShawn, David, and Amari.

Among his sons there are 13 grandchildren: Desean, Darrius Jr., Victoria, Leila, Dominic, Jordan, Jamel, De’Naye, Da’Riyah, Xander, Ashton, Jonah, and Amina.

When we think about Dwayne Anthony Purnell Sr. the man was simple, yet extraordinary at the same time. A husband that loved his wife hard and loved his children beyond measure.

His grandchildren made him happy, and the proudest “PaPa” in the world. There was nothing he would not do for them. Family made him happy, family made him strong. He was an Uncle that played a fatherly role for many. Even amongst his sons’ friends he was always “Dad” or “Pops”.

Dwayne and Myra dedicated the later stages of his life to the Anoka Foster Care system in Minnesota. So much so that they were named Foster Parents of the Year by the state of Minnesota.

A devote Christian, Dwayne was also a man of many talents. While his friends would call him “Work” or “Cool Breeze” he was often referred to as MacGyver by his Auntie Hazel. There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t construct or fix with his hands and a set of tools.

He was also an avid bowler, a Master of Arts, and crafts with his creation of Macramé potholders, and we all know what he could do on that BBQ grill. Lastly, he was one of the greatest spades players to ever do it.