Elbert L Purdy

Elbert L. Purdy, 89, of East Toledo, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2015 surrounded by his loving family at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born September 15, 1925, the eldest son of William E. and Treva (Applegate) Purdy. Elbert graduated from Waite High School in 1943. He served as a PFC in the US Army Infantry and Military Police in England, France and Normandy from October 1943 to March 1946 during WW-II. Elbert earned a Purple Heart for wounds he received during his service.

He married the love of his life, Ruth A. Clifton, on April 9, 1944, while home on leave. Together they were blessed with three children; Diane (Jim) Frost, Judy (Jay) Jeffries, and John (Patricia) Purdy. They had seven grandchildren: Kim (Michael) Schaefer, Kelley (Mike) Wheeler, Pam (Tom) Willhardt, Becky (Tom) Kalucki, Steven (Camillia) Jeffries, Joseph (Cindy Perkins) Jeffries, and Christina (Jason) Nowak; fifteen great-grandchildren; Garrett, Emily, Katey, Mikey, Amanda, Cailey, Megan, Brad, Zachary, Katessin, Bobbie, Rickie Jay, Jayden, Samantha, and Jaelyn and one great- great grandchild Mia Novae. Elbert worked for Midland Ross (Unicast) for 44 years, retiring in 1986.

Elbert was a loving, dedicated and lifelong servant of the East Broadway and Northwood Church of God, where he served in many capacities including Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Counselor, Teacher, Head Usher, Trustee, Music Coordinator, member of the choir and member of three Building Committees. One of his greatest joys was seeing the new Church Sanctuary finished, complete with Christian Symbols in the glass windows. He was responsible for starting a bus service to transport people to and from church services. Elbert loved playing music for the church with a group called the Lamplighters. He and Ruth also served as Church Custodians for 41 years.

Elbert was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Lewis, Garold, and Bruce, his wife of 65 years, Ruth, and granddaughter Kelley (Koontz) Wheeler.

Elbert loved camping, fishing, golfing, walking, and sitting in his yard enjoying his flowers. His greatest joy in life was serving his God, his Country and spending time with his family.

The family wishes to extend the most sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at Bay Park Hospital and Perrysburg Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their attention and care during his stays.

Persons wishing to make expressions of sympathy can make contributions to the Northwood Church of God, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, or the Metro Parks of Ohio.

Viewing will be at the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 701 North Main Street, Walbridge, Ohio from 2:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. Funeral Services will be held at the Northwood Church of God, Northwood, Ohio on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with viewing prior to the service. Burial will be at Lake Township Cemetery.