Roger Daniel Purdy, 89, of Wooster, Ohio passed away peacefully at the Wayne County Care Center on Sunday, March 3, 2024 surrounded by family.
He was born June 16, 1934, to Lawrence and Grace (Bell) Purdy in Glenmont, Ohio. He married Glenna Frase on December 5, 1964. They were married 59 years. They enjoyed attending Lake Anna concerts in Barberton, Ohio, walking the grounds of Kingwood Center in Mansfield, Ohio, zoo trips with their daughters, attending various gospel concerts and taking drives with their dogs for ice cream!
A 1952 graduate of Nashville High School, he was the last remaining student from his class. There were always stories of his friends and classmates from those days.
He was stationed in England while serving in the Army. He was proud to be a veteran and always thanked others for their service reminding us that we should not take our freedom and privileges for granted.
After 37 years, he retired from the Wooster Brush Company.
Membership in the 20/30 Club and being a deacon at Parkview Christian Church allowed him to help others. His desire to share was always evident.
Roger spent his spare time in his meticulous flower gardens and enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and reading – a love he passed on to his daughters and granddaughter. There was a great passion for history. The World Wars, Victorian homes and classic automobiles were some of his interests.
He loved all things Anna and was her biggest cheerleader. They shared a mutual love for stories and entertaining. He was grateful that his son-in-laws, Scott and John shared his faith and sense of humor, joining in crazy family reunion traditions.
Three Yorkshire Terriers stole a part of his heart as well. Especially a dog named Scooter that his wife and daughter, Melissa discovered at the Humane Society.
Golf outings at Round Lake Golf Course with his childhood friend Loy Walkerow and brother-in-law and good friend, Jim Boldman were treasured times. All that practice paid off with a hole-in-one at age 81 at Pleasant Hill Golf Course.
Basketball, being a part of his youth, led to his fandom of Triway Titan basketball. He also spent many years assisting the Triway Capers with lighting.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jerry Purdy; sister Betty Geitgey; and brother Rev. James Purdy.
He is survived by his wife, Glenna; daughters Janine (Scott) Schlauch of Wooster, Ohio; Melissa (John) Puster of Lakeville, Ohio; granddaughter Anna Puster of Lakeville, Ohio; sisters Gloria Frazier of Loudonville, Ohio; Sharon Boldman of Orrville, Ohio; Janice Welsh of Ashland, Ohio; and Sheila Keener of Wooster, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 12:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster with Pastor Jeremiah Scadden officiating. Interment will follow in Nashville Cemetery.
Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family wishes to thank Brookdale Senior Living for helping with his transition to assisted living, Danbury Senior Living for exceptional care, especially during the pandemic, and the Wayne County Care Center and Lifecare Hospice for blessing his last months with great love and gently ushering him to his heavenly home.
Memorial contributions may be made to K-9 for Warriors, 114 camp K9 Road, Ponte Verda, FL 32081 or to Wayne County Care Center, 876 S. Geyers Chapel Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that I have known Roger for 50 years of my 54 on this earth. I really appreciate Roger and Glenna’s kindness to me as a teenager going through some difficult times. As an adult, I appreciated his friendship, guidance and sense of humor. It’s good to know that he’s finally home and I will see him again someday.
OUR,DEEPIST SYMPATHY TO GLEENA AND ALL THE FAMILY.
HE WAS A GREAT GUY.
ROYAND DONNA EDINGTON
What a wonderful man and Christian example to all.
Quietly humble and sweetly humorous. A pleasure to know him.
What a wonderful brother and great golfer. You shall be missed!
So sorry to hear this news. I know my late husband Rex enjoyed the times he spent with Roger, sharing memories of their times in Holmes County. He was always so friendly whenever we had the chance to meet, and especially at church. My sympathy to all in the family.
Prayers of comfort to the family during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to learn of your father’s passing, Melissa. Sending you and your family prayers for comfort at this difficult time.
We 5 sisters of Roger’ were very lucky to have 3 Great Brothers who set good
examples for us while growing up.—Mom an Dad taught them well ,,they are all together an we will remember the many memories of them ,an the love we had for them while growing up…..an treating us like sisters…..they don’t come any better then Jim, Jerry, and Roger… ..God is so good.
So sorry to hear of Roger passing. My prayers for Glenna and the girls! We met Roger when we first came to Parkview. After visiting with him, we discovered we were cousins! We had the same great grandparents! What a great guy!
Thinking of everyone. Uncle Rod was special and will be missed. RIP
May peace and love surround the family during this difficult time. Roger was an amazing man and we cherish many great memories of having Roger and Glenna as neighbors. We enjoyed many conversations over the back fence as we admired each others’ gardens and watched Scooter’s antics. God truly blessed us.
Thank you for your service. Condolences to the family.
Glenna & family.. sincere condolences on dear Roger. He always had a gentle smile and positive attitude. He & Glenna spent time with my in-laws and I remember the laughs they shared. Roger attended a lot of basketball games & would give a thumbs up with that contagious smile. Heaven received an amazing man & may GOD’S love comfort each of you as the healing begins
You have my sincere sympathy upon the passing of Roger. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.