Forrest H. Purdy's Obituary
Forrest H. Purdy, age 80, of Lewes, DE, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. He was born February 11, 1928 in Rehoboth Beach, DE, son of the late Forrest E. and Dorothy Mae (Greene) Purdy.
Mr. Purdy attended Rehoboth High School and excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He graduated in 1947 as Class Valedictorian. Following high school he served in the U.S. Coast Guard returning to Rehoboth Beach to work as a carpenter. Forrest was accepted into the Delaware State Police in 1957 and retired in 1977 as a Staff Captain in charge of the State Bureau of Identification. He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors and his passion for aviation led him to his hobby of radio controlled model airplanes. He also enjoyed military history and old westerns. He was a member of Jefferson Lodge #15 A.F. & A.M. of Lewes, DE and the Lewes / Rehoboth Radio Control Model Airplane Club.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Geraldine L. Purdy; two sons Forrest S. Purdy and wife Sandra and Arny "Vince" Purdy and wife Laurie; 6 grandchildren, Karen Bailey, Alicia Purdy, Heather Newcomer, Amanda Purdy, Jeff Purdy and Erin Fodi; and 9 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 3, 11:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE with Pastor Michael Hurley officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, 7-9 PM with Masonic Services at 7:30 PM. Interment with State Police honors will be at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Delaware State Police Museum, P.O. Box 430, Dover, DE 19903.
Send online condolences to: [email protected]
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