James Purnell

“Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.”

On Saturday, June 25th 2016 at 9:30 PM, the Lord took James Franklin Purnell, 80, by the hand and led him into eternal life with Him.

He was born on the family farm, November 1st, 1935 in Wells Township, Pennsylvania a son of the late Walter and Goldie (Mellott) Purnell.

He served his country as a Radio Operator with the United States Army’s 34th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion at the end of the occupation in Germany. He was honored to sing with a choir which performed Handel’s Messiah for a Christmas Concert while in Germany.

He met his future bride, Delores Irene Knepper, while working as a milk tester. They were married at Center Church on May 11, 1957. For 50 years he was a dairy farmer, and together they taught six children the value of a hard day’s work.

As a lifelong farmer, he served on many committees for farm related concerns. He was a member of the Fulton Farm Bureau, and served as President for several years. He drove school bus six years for Forbes Road School district, transporting many Wells Valley youth to school at Forbes Road School District.

A follower of Jesus, he taught Sunday School at Wells Valley United Methodist Church where he was a member for many years. He was on the Board of Directors for the Fulton County Medical Center for 11 years, and served a 6 year term on the Forbes Road School Board. He was also a member of the Forbes Road Lions Club.

He liked to hunt and read, and used the local library extensively. He was often seen riding on his golf cart, and enjoyed taking his grandkids for rides. He enjoyed looking for birds with his wife and seeing God’s handiwork in nature. He also enjoyed working in the garden, once the wife got him educated on how it needed done…”HER way.”

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, and their children Diana Jones and companion Ray, of Chambersburg, PA, Richard Purnell of Tulsa, OK, Lisa Noll and husband David, of Mifflinburg, PA, Michael Purnell and wife Drema of Wells Tannery, PA, Glenda Akers and husband Gregory, of Waterfall, PA, and Becky Dennis and companion Kerry of York, PA. He had 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Dorothy Weaver and husband Joe of Harrisburg, PA and a brother Kenneth of Broken Arrow, OK.

He was greatly loved and will be missed greatly by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at the Center United Methodist Church, 3195 Doran Road, Three Springs, PA with Pastor John Wiley, Pastor Rachel Horst and Pastor Faith Anderson officiating.  Interment will be at Center Cemetery.
 
Arrangements are by the M. R. Brown Funeral Home, Hustontown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to Samaritan’s Purse   P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Well done my Good and Faithful Servant…