Roy Henry Pursche

Mr. Roy Henry Pursche, age 91, peacefully passed away at his home in Riesel on Sunday morning, January 14, 2018. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, January 18, at Adams Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Friday, January 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Riesel with Pastor Robert Kitson officiating. Interment to follow in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Riesel.

Roy was born July 27, 1926, to Ottomar and Anna (Korger) Pursche in Otto TX. On January 5, 1945, he entered the military and served his country during WWII as a motor machinist’s mate third class in the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, Roy met his future wife, Ruby Jean Peters of Tulsa, Oklahoma through letters they wrote back and forth to each other. After being honorably discharged on August 16, 1946, he and Ruby were married two years later in Tulsa on November 11, 1948. They resided in Tulsa for a number of years where he worked in construction as a carpenter. They eventually relocated back to Riesel with their growing family. He purchased a small farm in Riesel on Sunset road where he tried his hand at farming and ranching. After a few years farming, he was hired at General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco and retired in 1986 after 30 years of service.

Roy was blessed with 68 wonderful years of marriage to Ruby and together they had 3 beautiful children. He was a longtime resident of Riesel and a longtime and faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Riesel. Throughout the years, he served his church as a member of several boards and as a Sunday school teacher. He belonged to various clubs including the German Heritage Club and the Riesel Lion’s Club, and he served his community as a volunteer firefighter. Roy will best be remembered for his love of fishing and playing dominoes where he made many wonderful memories with his family and friends.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruby; son, Dwight; granddaughter, Jennifer Pursche and brother-in-law, Jimmy Koester.

Roy leaves behind to cherish his memories, sister Ruth Koester of Riesel; son, Phillip Pursche of Riesel; daughter, Janet Drapela and husband Gary of Riesel; Grandchildren: Angela Harp and husband Dennis, Crystal Pursche, JD Pursche and wife Sarah, Taylor Drapela, Dylan Drapela and Cody Drapela; Great Grandchildren: Aaron and Peyton Harp, Jon and Cooper Pursche, Gavyn and Grant Tijerina.

Roy was a wonderful provider and he left us with a strong foundation of faith to pass along to our families. He will be dearly missed.