Ethan Eldon Pursell

Ethan Eldon Pursell of Oklahoma City, OK, passed away March 10, 2013, after a long and faithful life to his wife and family. Ethan was born November 27, 1928, in Paola, KS, graduating from Paola High School in 1946. After serving five years of active duty in the US Navy during the Korean War, he returned to University of Kansas, completing his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He minored in Fine Arts (silversmithing).

Ethan married Jeannette Baumeister September 11, 1964, in West Des Moines, IA, their place of residence. No children were born to this union, but Ethan loved his nieces, nephews, and their children, which all still survive him.

During his youth, Ethan worked watch repair at Crellen's Jewelry in Paola, which led to a lifetime love of repairing antique clocks and watches; he was a member of the Sooner Time Collectors club. He worked as an engineer in Federal Civil Service, installing equipment for the Weather Bureau. He then worked for the Federal Aviation Administration conducting airport evaluation and design. In 1971 the couple relocated to Oklahoma City.

Ethan was preceded in death by his parents, John (Van) & Hazel Pursell; sister Mildred Smith; and brother Charles Pursell. He is survived by his wife Jeannette of Oklahoma City; sister Verna Neugebauer & husband, Al, of Overland Park, KS; brother Lyle Pursell & wife, Charlotte, of Rolla, MO; and brother-in-law George Baumeister, Jr., of Edmond, OK.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 15, 2013, at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, at 1:00 p.m. beginning with a short visitation at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City.