Opal Irene Purcell

Opal Irene Purcell passed away, 94, on November 30, 2014. Mrs. Purcell was born in 1920 in Olathe, KS, to Frank and Daisy Hulett Barrett. Her mother died when she was five, and Mrs. Purcell was raised by her single father who was a caretaker for the Olathe cemetery. She met her future husband at Olathe High School and married Lloyd L. Purcell in 1940. The couple made their home in Kansas City, MO, where Mr. Purcell’s career was with The Journal Post, Aines Dairy, Prudential Insurance and Pyramid Insurance. He died in 1979. The Purcells joined the Independence Boulevard Christian Church in the 1950s and became members of the Beau-Knot Sunday school class. Mrs. Purcell later became a member of the Longview Chapel Christian Church in Lee’s Summit, MO. She was notable for the strength of her love and devotion to family and friends. Her interests included travel, reading, cooking, knitting, and learning to play the electronic organ. Mrs. Purcell was preceded in death by her husband; a sister, Faye Brantley; two nieces: Kathleen O’Grady and Orpha Parkin; and a grandchild, David Purcell. She is survived by a son, Richard (wife Judy) Purcell of Highlands Ranch, CO; four grandchildren, including Rebecca Reseigh, Kendall Hays, Stuart Purcell, and Arlyn Purcell; three step grandchildren, including Claire Lockwood, Amory Lockwood and Laura Arledge; and two great grandchildren: Brayden and Wyatt Reseigh. A memorial service was held December 5 in the chapel at John Knox Village, Lee’s Summit."