Dwight Leonard Purdy Jr. was born February 17, 1930 to Dwight Leonard and Thelma Marie Hall Purdy in Bristow, Oklahoma. After the loss of his mother at age four and father at age seven, he was raised by his stepmother, Sara Norma Bachelor Purdy. Despite the challenges of caring for a family alone on a teacher’s salary in the aftermath of the Great Depression, Sara raised Dwight and his two sisters with love, and Dwight had many fond memories of his childhood in Milfay, Oklahoma.
From a young age, Dwight was fascinated by anything with gears, gadgets, or engines. He had a particular love for airplanes and enlisted in the Air Force in 1948 as an airplane electrician. During this time, he fixed up an old “canvas and dope” plane he found in a junkyard, which he learned to pilot himself. When the United States entered the Korean War, the aviation cadet program expanded to include enlisted men who knew how to fly. Dwight qualified, became an officer, and achieved his childhood dream of flight in service to his country, flying in one of the world’s first fighter jets, the F86 Sabre. He quickly gained a reputation among his peers for always making the landing, despite fire, engine failure and other mid-flight catastrophes.
While still in the training program, he met the beautiful and fiery Frances (Fran) Mayree O’Briant a college student at MSCW on a blind date. The couple were married shortly after, and had four children together over the next ten years; sons David and Derek, and daughters Dale and Dedra. The following years saw Dwight through two wars and several tours, serving in bases in Japan and the Philippines. After the completion of his final overseas tour on a remote island in the South China Sea, Dwight was stationed with his family at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where he completed the remainder of his 21 years of service and retired as a Major in 1968.
After completing his service, Dwight was able to focus on another life-long passion; technology. He went into the then novel field of software development and became a Systems Analyst for the City of Phoenix, where he worked another 20 years. During this time, Dwight--a certified SCUBA diver-- served in the Maricopa County Volunteer Dive Posse, as well as in various other community organizations and councils. He indulged in his love of writing and was published in numerous periodicals on a variety of subjects relating to technology, aviation and more. Fran passed away unexpectedly in 2003, just a few weeks before what would have been their 50th anniversary.
Dwight later met and subsequently married Patricia (Pat) Tucker, who had lost her soulmate some years before. Dwight and Pat enjoyed RV-ing and spent many summers in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. They travelled regularly with the Salt River Gadabouts, a group of friends that camped at various sites in Arizona. For the final chapter of their lives, Dwight and Pat moved into a senior living community, the Enclave in Gilbert. They truly enjoyed making new friends, taking different classes, and sharing their love of adventure. Dwight was notorious for “flying” about the community on his 9-bot (Segway) while walking their dog.
Pat passed away on December 25, 2020 and Dwight followed a short time later, on January 5, 2021. His humor was there to the last. While in the hospital, he texted Dedra “I’ve lived an unusual and star-crossed life, I have lived and done and said and tried. I have lost and won and licked my wounds. I don’t know what else is left. The only thing that has me defeated is this damn phone.”
Dwight was quick-witted and curious, and he refused to let age stymie his interest in the rapidly evolving technology of the new millennium. He remained remarkably sharp to the very end of his days, and kept up with a variety of interests, hobbies, and friends throughout his nearly 91 years of life. He never shied away from adventure, knowledge, or hard work.
Dwight is survived by three children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Frances, second wife Patricia, daughter Dale, and sisters, Gaye Nelle Molleur and Thelma Riley.
A Celebration of Life will be held later in the year when it is safer to have gatherings. Condolences can be sent to the Purdy family ℅ Dedra Topham 9532 W. Alice Ave, Peoria AZ 85345. In lieu of flowers or gifts please feel free to donate to the Veterans Charity of your choosing in Dwight’s name.
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