PURPLE, John E - Korea
Source: The Neighbor, June 26, 2002, pg A3
WILLIAMSPORT — John E. Purple, 70, of 110 Tami Lane, Williamsport died at his residence on his birthday, June 18 at 5:00 p.m. He had been in ill health with cancer for one year. John was born in Covington on June 18, 1932. He was the son of Ira E. and Jennie Weaver Purple. John was raised in Covington and graduated from Covington High School in 1951. He later attended Northwestern State University. John worked at C & D Power Systems in Attica in the production department. He retired in 1998, working for C & D for 41 years. Following his retirement he worked for Tru Flex in West Lebanon. John served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was attending the Maranatha Baptist church in Covington. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge # 2596 of Attica; American Legion Post # 259 of Williamsport. He married Anna May Shonkwiler on September 11, 1954 in Williamsport. She preceded him in death on February 4, 2000. Surviving are a son, Ronald E. (Vicki) Purple, Williamsport; two daughters, Theresa McClure, Attica; Merridi (Joe) Dark, Attica; a sister, Pat Mycroft, Williamsport; five grandchildren, Brad Waldron, Kyle and Craig Purple; Amber and Corey Dark; two great grandchildren, Andrew Dark and Kaitlynn Miller. He was preceded in death by a son, Nelson Edwin Purple; a grandson, Christopher Waldron and a sister, Kathryn Krout, along with his parents. Services were held at the Maus Funeral Home, Attica on Friday, June 21, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Bob Hamblen officiating. Burial with military services will be held in the Riverside Cemetery, Attica. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Maranatha Baptist Church. – jlr
