Frank “Bud” Purkey, 97, of Washington Court House and formerly of Springfield, passed away Friday, June 29, 2018, at Carriage Court of Washington Court House.
He was born in Bellefontaine to Paul and Florence Casey Purkey and was a graduate of Bellefontaine High School. He later attended the Coyne Electronic School in Chicago and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II with the 317th squadron and Air Commandos in Burma and China where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Bronze Cluster, the Air Medal with three Bronze Clusters and the Asiatic Medal with two Bronze Stars.
Frank retired from civil engineering at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 1982 after 24 years of service. Frank had the ability to give everyone around him the gift of laughter. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, wildlife and model railroading.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Ivolyn Jacobs and Pauline Young.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Maryellen Reid Purkey, whom he married Nov. 30, 1945; and many nieces and nephews, including Connie (Robert) Elliott, James (Phyllis) Anderson, Peggy Barnes and Steven Anderson, all of Washington Court House.
In keeping with Frank’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there are no services.
Arrangements were handled by Summers Funeral Home and condolences may be expressed at www.summersfuneralhome.com.