Anthony P. 'Tony' Purdy passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida. He was born on September 22, 1938 in Indianapolis to Earl 'Manual' and Mary 'Hazel' (Yocum) Purdy. Tony grew up in Indianapolis and Cleveland Ohio. He graduated from a Cleveland high school, served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Libya and California. He was retired as a heavy equipment operator from Peabody Coal Company after many years of service. Tony loved all sports, especially baseball and golf. He was an avid golfer and a huge Cincinnati Reds Fan. When he was younger he played for Washington Grays semi pro baseball team in Washington IN. Tony was loved and well respected by all. He never met a stranger. He is going to be missed by all who was lucky to know him. Tony is survived by his wife Velma J. (Harner) Purdy whom he married on June 24, 1994; son, Tim Purdy of Washington IN; brothers, James A Townsend JR, Charles A Townsend, Philip S. Townsend and sister, Dawn E. Townsend Gaines all of Missouri; stepsons, Kevin Anderson (Doris) of Washington IN, Paul D. Overton Jr., Sacramento CA., Joseph D Overton (Carolyn) of Terre Haute IN. and Michael J Overton (Betty) of Washington IN; several step-grandchildren; several step great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Tony is preceded in death by his father, Manual Purdy, his mother and step father, Hazel and James A. Townsend. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 28, 2012 at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church with Father Leo Kiesel as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Washington American Legion and VFW. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday at Ed Lee Mortuary. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.edleemortuary.com
Tributes
Tricia (Rowell) Ploetz - Evansville, IN wrote on Dec 27, 2012:
"Sorry for your loss Tim, have not seen you in years. Gary Rowell lost his mom several years back so just wanted to let you know he is still in Chicago, and to let you know sorry for your loss. Hope your life is great, you were always a great young man!"