Harry C. Purser

Harry Carroll Purser passed away on November 18, 2018 at LifeCare Hospital in Fort Worth. He was born on November 26, 1925 in Lansing, Michigan to parents Harry Emerald Purser and Mary Sophia Carroll Purser. The family settled in Fort Worth, when Harry was a teenager, after moving several times during the Depression. After graduation from Central High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 at 17 years of age. He served as a “mortar man” in the Pacific arena in Saipan and was later sent to Okinawa. After the war, Harry was sent to Nagasaki and later to Miyazaki to dismantle and destroy ammunition and weapons. Corporal Purser was honorably discharged in May of 1946.

Harry worked for the Pet Milk Company and later as an accountant for an electric company. While working in Texas City, he spied his future wife, Bonnie King, through the window of a cafe. A date was arranged and they were married September 14, 1949 in Fort Worth. He attended TCU and TWC where earned his degree. He eventually took over an accounting business his father began and added insurance services. Harry served two terms as mayor of Forest Hill, Texas from 1973-77. He sold his business in 1974 and worked as an administrative assistant to County Commission Dick Andersen for several years. He then worked as the manager of the Tarrant County Precinct 1 Garage until his retirement.

Harry and Bonnie had three adoring daughters between 1950-56, Sandy, Debbie, and Carol. He was a member of the Southeast Lions Club and served as President for a time. While a member, he and Bonnie made a circle of friends who would remain so for the rest of their lives...the Warriners, Ovricks, Trices, Hagars, Calcagnos, Bakers, Riddles, Wrights, and many others. At the time of his death, Harry was the only surviving member of this circle of friends. He and his family attended church at Central Methodist, St. Paul Methodist, Forest Hill Presbyterian, and Edge Park United Methodist.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation for the many caretakers involved with Harry’s care over the past several weeks, including the staff on 5 C at Baylor Scott and White downtown and the superior nurses at LifeCare Hospital: especially Chad, George, Iggy, Alicia, Alexis and LaDawna. These caretakers were always respectful and sympathetic with him; with a few commenting on his sweetness and stating that if they could, they would, “Take him home,” with them. They also provided hugs and compassion to the family. In addition, they family would like to express their thanks for the many family members and friends who called, sent cards, texts, and Facebook messages with offers of support and prayers. The family also feels blessed to have immediate family members, Bill Luebbehusen, and Elizabeth Luebbehusen directly involved with Harry’s care; providing relief and companionship while spending many hours at the hospital.

Harry Purser was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, Bonnie, daughter, Sandy Harper, and, son-in-law Kim Morse. Survivors include daughters, Debbie Morse and Carol Luebbehusen, son-in-law, Bill Luebbehusen and six grandchildren: Brandon Harper, Tyler Luebbehusen and wife, Amanda, Preston Luebbehusen, Elizabeth Luebbehusen, Ashley Morse Conine and husband Will, and Paige Morse as well as all members of the amazing King family, who accepted this Yankee boy into a family of East Texas hunters and fishermen. They circled him with love and educated him in ways he never thought possible.

Pallbearers will be Bill Luebbehusen, Brandon Harper, Tyler Luebbehusen, Preston Luebbehusen, Will Conine, Cody Hoya, Jordan Ellis, and Tom DelCampo.

The funeral service is scheduled 12:30 pm Saturday, November 24 at Laurel Land Memorial Park in the Chapel of Chimes; 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth Texas. There will be a short visitation at 11:30 preceding the funeral. Burial will be at Laurel Land following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Honor Flight DFW; honorflightdfw.com and LifeCare Employee Assistance Fund; 5340 Legacy Drive,

Suite 150, Plano, Texas 75024, Attn: Leaf Committee.