Ralph E. Purcell

Ralph Purcell passed away on March 18, 2025, at the age of 90, in Pueblo, Colorado. Ralph Eugene Purcell was born on April 22, 1934 to Geneva Fleming Purcell and Ben Purcell in Coldwater, Kansas. His parents preceded him in death. He attended the Coldwater school district and graduated in 1952. He then attended Fort Hays College from 1952 to 1956, graduating with a teaching degree and as a four year letter winner on their track and field team. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960, including running the gymnasium and pool complex the first year the US Air Force Academy opened. Ralph won several trophies in the world wide “All Air Force Track and Field competition for pole-vault and the long jump.

He married Freda Diane Desbien in 1960 and both started their teaching careers in Pueblo. Ralph taught elementary physical education for 33 years in Pueblo School District #60: Lakeview Elementary school from 1960-1982; Goodnight Elementary School from 1983-1993. He received the honor of being the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in 1993.

Every summer he would return to the Desbien Farm in Kansas to help his In-laws with the summer wheat harvest, usually driving one of the combine’s.

He had a great love for all sports, especially volleyball and golf. He loved the challenge and fellowship of the game and had lifelong friendships.

In retirement he continued playing golf, including three “hole in one’s.” He supporting the sports programs at the local high school and at Colorado State University, especially the women’s golf team.

Survivors include his son, Michael (Deirdre) of Cape Charles, VA: three grandchildren; Evan Purcell (Sarah), Shaylyn Goard (Dustin), and Kiernan Purcell. He is also survived by three great-granddaughters; Mairéad Goard, and Madison and Chloe Purcell, and by many nieces and nephews. He was a member of Fellowship of the Rockies Church, where he participated in Wednesday morning bible study.

Ralph was a very caring person, always ready and willing to help a friend, student, co-worker, or neighbor. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his former wife, Jennifer Ballou (born Freda Desbien), his brothers Roy Purcell and his wife, Anna Marie, and Ray Purcell, as well as his sisters, Helen (Glen) Richardson and Ellen Erwin.

In lieu of food and flowers, memorial donations would be welcomed by the CSU-P women’s golf team or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held at Fellowship of the Rockies, 09:30 a.m., June 20, 2025. The address is 3892 W. Northern Ave., Pueblo. Inurnment ceremony will follow, 11:00 a.m., at Imperial Memorial Gardens, 5450 Hwy 78 W. Pueblo, CO. 81005