Phillip Ray Pursche

Phillip Ray Pursche, age 74, passed away Saturday February 1, 2025 in Waco, Tx.

Phillip was born December 5, 1950 to Roy and Ruby (Peters) Pursche in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As a young child, his family moved to the Riesel area where his father, Roy, was born and raised. The remainder of his life was spent in this area.

After graduating from Riesel High School, Phillip was drafted into the military during the Vietnam War where he served his country and was stationed in Germany. During his 1.5 years of service, he was listed as an M16 expert and received the National Defense Service Medal.

After being discharged from the Army, he worked for many years at Cameron Mills in Waco. During that time, he was married and blessed with a beautiful daughter. He purchased a small acreage in the Riesel area where he built his present home and resided until his death. In his younger years he loved to go on hunting trips. As he matured, he enjoyed gardening and canning (especially tomatoes and beets), and raising and tending to his cattle. His last place of employment before his retirement was at Jag Aviation in McGregor, Texas, where he worked as an aircraft maintenance assistant.

He was a longtime and faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Riesel. He will be remembered as being funny, kind and a gentle person who was a devoted caregiver to his parents during their final years.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jennifer and his brother, Dwight.

Phillip leaves behind to cherish his memories, sister, Janet Drapela and husband Gary of Riesel, and many nieces and nephews.

Phillip was a son, father, husband, brother and uncle and will be dearly missed.

Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, at Adams Funeral home in Marlin, Texas. Funeral service will be Thursday, February 13, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Riesel, Texas with Pastor Larry Knobloch officiating. Interment to follow in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Riesel.