John Thomas Purkey

John Thomas Purkey, known by his grandchildren as “Papa John,” lived a full and vigorous life until his sudden passing on Dec. 2, 2025. He was born on Sept. 20, 1957, in Rifle, Colo., to Bryce and Doris Purkey and was a lifelong resident of Meeker, Colo.

John started a family in 1988 after marrying Sherri in 1980. Being dad to Shannon and Robi was one of the greatest sources of joy in John’s life. John loved openly and did everything he could to set a good example for his children. He was always there, and Shannon and Robi didn’t want for anything. John delighted in becoming a grandpa when he welcomed Annalyse into his life with Shannon’s marriage in 2010.

In 2014, John married Samme, discovering an even deeper level of joy and happiness. His family immediately expanded to include Samme’s children and their spouses: Amanda and Nick, Melissa and Christian, and Joe and Jen.

John and Samme put family at the center of their lives together. John developed a tighter relationship with Shannon and Robi and was very close with Samme’s children. And before he knew it, John had become “Papa John” to eight grandchildren, all living in Meeker.

John showed up for his grandchildren with strength, compassion, and a determination to pass along his strong work ethic — sometimes armed with fence post pounders, pliers, and a good pair of gloves. Being a grandpa also brought out his playful side; he cherished looking after his youngest grandson each week, loved a good water fight, and more than once chased the kids around the lake in his little red canoe. He also shared with his grandchildren his love of animals and his masterful driving skills.

John had a distinguished 39-year career at White River Electric Association (WREA). Starting in 1983 as an apprentice lineman, his work ethic allowed him to rise through the ranks, and he eventually became line superintendent. He retired in 2022 after more than three decades of dedicated service. He is remembered by colleagues as a man of fairness and integrity — knowledgeable, talented, and always ready to help anyone in need.

John was quick to smile and had a way with people. His laughter was contagious. John’s steadiness of character and dependability brought with them a sense of safety and reassurance for those who were blessed to have his love or friendship. John never shied away from a challenge, or a good project. Over the course of his life, he and his brother Jay built three houses together, including the home where he lived up until his final day. John was a man of fortitude who never stopped showing up for those he cared about.

He loved being around cows and horses and making sure they were well tended. He diligently cared for his family’s grazing and hunting land and his dad Pop’s ranch, especially after Pop’s passing. As he learned to live life to the fullest, his later years saw a shift to new adventures with Samme, including serving together as part of the Meeker Lions Club and going on nature photography excursions, extended camper trips, and beloved ocean getaways planned by John’s cousin and close friend Paul.

When John passed into the care of The Lord he was a man of Christ, having fully embraced his faith as a member of The Church at Meeker community.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Bryce and Doris Purkey. He is survived by his wife Samme Purkey; his children Shannon and Robi (Derek) Purkey; his step-children Amanda (Nick) Smith, Melissa (Christian) Baumgart, and Joe (Jen) Elder; his grandchildren Annalyse (Tanner) Goodwin and their daughter Amara, Caydence Smith, Jackson Elder, Kinnley Smith, Sebastian Baumgart, Isabel Elder, Adrian Baumgart and Arthur Elder; his brother Jay and sister Cindy; his nephews and nieces Tony, Cameron, Travis, Larry, Jason, Kathleen and Ashley; and many loving relatives and friends.

A reception will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Fairfield Center in Meeker.