Cover photo for Wayne Purdy's Obituary
Wayne Purdy Profile Photo
1921 Wayne 2007

Wayne Purdy

July 11, 1921 — October 10, 2007

PURDY, Wayne - Age 86, passed away October 10th at the home of his son, Jeffrey and wife Sally in Lansing, Michigan. Born to Neal and Jessie Taylor Purdy in Harris, MO on July 11, 1921, Wayne grew up in the family tradition of raising purebred beef cattle. After graduating from high school in Muscatine, IA, he worked with cattle herds in several states until finding employment at Crapo Farms in Swartz Creek with brother Richard. There he met Beth Morrish and they were married in Swartz Creek in September of 1943. Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Iceland. After completing officer candidate school, he served in Europe where he achieved the rank of Captain. His company of the 84th Infantry Division was involved in fierce fighting in France, Belgium and Germany including the "Battle of the Bulge". He was awarded two bronze stars. Following the war, Wayne returned to the cattle business, establishing his own farm operations first in Fowlerville and then in Swartz Creek. In later years he was also employed by Genesee County in city youth programs. He was a long-time 4H Club leader and served as a Gaines Township trustee. Following the death of beloved wife Beth in 1993, Wayne married Margaret "Peggy" Case of Davison. They spent many happy retirement years living in Texas. Peggy passed away in Austin, Texas in 2007. Wayne was also preceded in death by sister Mary and brothers Grant, Richard and Calvin. He is survived by sons Phillip (Linda) and Henry (Marj) of Swartz Creek, Paul (Beth) of Holly, Jeffrey (Sally) of Lansing and Lee (Linda) of Swartz Creek, grandchildren: Erin, Neal, Andre, Rose, Ben, Sam, Megan, Gabe, Simon, Mike, Monica, Klaire, Stevie, Summer, Marisa and Cody, great-grandchildren Franchesca and Mackenzie. Special thanks to Jeff, Sally and family for taking such good care of Grandpa and to the Ingham Visiting Nurse Hospice Team, especially Elaine and Kim. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Duffield United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at Sharp Funeral Home, 8138 Miller Road in Swartz Creek from 6-9 PM Thursday, October 11th and from 2-4 PM and 6-9 PM Friday October 12th. A funeral service will be held at Duffield United Methodist Church, 7007 Duffield Road, Swartz Creek at 10 AM on Saturday, October 13th. After the ceremony, burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Vernon, Michigan. Friends may share an online condolence with the family at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wayne Purdy, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Visits: 9

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree