Wallace R. "Bud" Purdom

A life of quiet service has ended, a soldier of the Cross has gone home.

Wallace R. “Bud” Purdom, age 92, of Marion passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Heritage Pointe of Warren.

Bud was born on May 27, 1927 in Grant County, Indiana the son of the late Thomas and Anna (Morgan) Purdom. 

Bud met his future wife, Lillie Kerr a registered nurse who also worked at the VA.  They married on March 10, 1947.  Bud was a loving husband and father and the couple was blessed with over 67 years of marriage.  Bud retired from the VA Medical Center with 38 years of service to his fellow veterans.  Over the next 36 years, he continued as an excellent care giver and support for many during his retirement including his mother, brother-in-law, daughter Teresa Cunningham and later his wife.

Bud had many passions including deer hunting until the age of 80 and fishing from which he never retired.  He enjoyed many summer vacations with his family in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota.  When it came to professional sports, he was a big fan of the Detroit Tigers.  During his stay over the past 5 years at Heritage Pointe, Bud enjoyed playing Euchre and pool, where he was very competitive in the Friday afternoon tournaments.

Bud learned to value education from his life’s choices.  He dropped out from school after the 8th grade and when seeking advancement in his work, he earned his GED.  He was an avid reader and stressed the importance of education to his family.

Most importantly, Bud was a dedicated disciple of Christ for more than 60 years and was a member of the Woodland Hills Church of Christ.  He was a good Bible student and strove to be Christ-like and he loved others.  Bud faithfully attended worship services accompanied by his sister, Doris Kelly until November of this year, when his declining health did not permit his to attend any longer.

He is survived by a son, Tim (Christine) Purdom of Marion; a daughter, Carolyn “Cari” (Rex) Keene of Elwood; a sister, Doris Kelly of Warren; 9 grandchildren, Kelly (Keene) Wallace, Ryan and Jason Keene, Koren (Purdom) Seago, Jared Purdom, Chad and Corey Cunningham, and Casey (Cunningham) Newby; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Wallace was also preceded in death by his wife, Lillie; a daughter, Teresa “Terri” Cunningham; 2 brothers, Gene & Walter; 2 sisters, Marie & Josephine; one grandson, Joshua Purdom; and one great-grandson, Peyton Cunningham.

Friends and family may call from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2020 at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.  Funeral Services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Elders Jack Wiley and Galen Miller officiating.

Burial will immediately follow funeral services in Grant Memorial Park Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodland Hills Church of Christ, 2718 N. Wabash Road, Marion, Indiana 46952.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com

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