Richmon S. Purl

Richmon S. Purl, 85 of Galesburg, passed away at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the Marigold Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Galesburg. 

  He was born September 28, 1931 in Randolph County, Arkansas, the son of John W. and Elvina Bell Rankin Purl.  He married JoAnne R. Krebs on May 17, 1954 in Galesburg.

  Richmon is survived by his former spouse and mother of his children, JoAnne R. Purl of Galesburg; his children, Stephen M. (Donna) Purl of Princeton, Timothy E. (Julie) Purl of Galesburg, Douglas E. Purl of Wataga and Jo Ella C. “Lisa” (Dave) Bernhart of Galesburg; 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; his special friend, Mary Schwab; and several nieces, nephews and their families.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Wesley and Carter and his sisters, Catherine, Margaret, Ebbie and Velma.

  His family moved from Arkansas to Avon in 1942.  He was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served two years and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Camp Kilmer in New Jersey and he was also stationed in Frankfort, Germany during the Korean War.  He had also lived in Abingdon, at Lake Bracken and in Galesburg.  He worked over 40 years at Admiral/Maytag retiring on September 1, 1992.  While working, he decided he wanted to earn his high school diploma equivalent GED and he was awarded it in 1982.  He served as Lake Patrol at Lake Bracken for several years.  He was a member of the East Galesburg Community Chapel and the Galesburg American Legion Post #285.  He enjoyed playing his guitar, hunting, fishing, playing billiards with family and friends, and going to the boats.  He also enjoyed rendezvous camping in several states and he was delighted to see the Cubs win a World Series.  He never met a stranger and was always delighted to engage in conversation or play music with anyone.  He was very proud to go on the Honor Flight to Washington this past October.

  His family would like to express a special thank you to OSF Hospice, nurse Kayla and aid Amy, and to everyone at Marigold for all their love, care and attention shown to Richmon.

  Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, January 29, 2017 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel.  Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2017 at the Babbitt Cemetery near St. Augustine.  Rev. Milton Marquith will officiate.  

  Memorials may be made to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities in care of Shave for the Brave.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com