Diane Blake Purnell

Diane Blake Purnell passed away on July 3, 2025 at the age of 83. She was born to Beverly Grogan and Dan Blake on Jun 10, 1942 in Houston, Texas. Diane grew up in Lancaster, Texas and graduated from Lancaster High School. She attended The University of Oklahoma and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Upon graduation, she moved to Dallas and became a teacher. She met her husband, Maurice E. Purnell, Jr. (Maury) in Dallas. Next month they would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Diane and Maury loved to travel. Diane particularly enjoyed her time spent in Snowmass, Colorado, where she would host family ski trips and summer vacations. She also cherished her time spent with the family at Coon Creek Club in Athens, Texas every Thanksgiving and Easter.

Diane was very involved in her community. She volunteered as a docent with The Dallas Museum of Art, was a member of The Dallas Woman’s Club, The Junior League of Dallas, The Crystal Charity Ball, The Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center and The Salvation Army Dallas Women’s Auxiliary. She was a charter member of Park Cities Presbyterian Church where she participated in several Bible studies.

Diane was immensely proud of her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Her warmth and gentle presence brought comfort and joy to so many. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dan George Blake. She is survived by her husband, Maury; her two sons, Maurice E. Purnell, III (Kimberly) and Blake Purnell (Ashley); five grandchildren, Ali Purnell Koudelka (Danny), Corson Purnell (Addie), Maurice E. Purnell IV, Blaire Purnell and Thomas Purnell; and two great grandchildren, Boswell and Beverly Koudelka. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Kay Blake and her nephews, Dan Blake (Amy) and Doug Blake (Kathleen) and their children.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 15th at Park Cities Presbyterian Church,

4124 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75219, followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Park Cities Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.