Harold Purkey Obituary

Harold Dean Purkey

Harold Dean Purkey, 89, of Fostoria, passed away Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at Independence House, Fostoria, surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 10, 1934, in Fostoria to Clayton & Mildred (Stearns) Purkey. He married Ruth Ann Bell on Nov. 22, 1959, at Rehoboth United Methodist Church. She preceded him in death in 2007.

Harold is survived by his children, Leon (Annette) Purkey of Centerville and Louise (Larry) Steyer of Fostoria; longtime special friend, Connie Claycomb; grandchildren, Amy (Andrew) Allgeier, Chad (Marquavious Ellerson) Purkey and Alisha (Dominic) Goshe; great-grandchildren, Syble Goshe and Edwin & Maxwell Allgeier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ruth Ann; daughter, Lynette Purkey; sister, Imagene McClellan; and brother-in-law, Harold "Sonny" McClellan.

Harold was a lifetime farmer. He was also a bus driver at Lakota Local Schools for 42 years and a part-time mail carrier in Fostoria. Harold was a 1952 graduate of Risingsun High School. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in the 4th Armored Division and 67th Armored Battalion. Harold served in Germany as an armored tank repairman. He was a lifelong member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church and served as a Sunday School superintendent for many years. He was also a member of Seneca County Farm Bureau, Jackson Gofers Farm Council and S.C.R.A.P. Harold and Ruth Ann were inducted into the Seneca County Ag Hall of Recognition. Harold loved to travel to his annual Army reunions and was well-known for telling stories.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home, Fostoria, with Pastor Duane Kemerley officiating. Burial will follow at Fountain Cemetery, Fostoria.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, and one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to Flat Rock Care Center, 7353 County Rd. 29, Flat Rock, Ohio 44828, Kansas Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 196, Kansas, Ohio 44841 or Bridge Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hffh.net