Richard L. Purdy

Richard L. Purdy, 73, of Holts Summit, passed away peacefully, Saturday, April 19, 2014, at his home. He was born May 21, 1940, in Dearborn, Michigan, a son of the late Harry L. and Cecil (Olsen) Purdy. He was a 1958 graduate of Melvindale High School in Melvindale, Michigan. On September 25, 1984, he was united in marriage in Holts Summit, to Janice Veltrop, who survives at their home. Richard was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from the United States Army after more than 20 years of dedicated service. He later worked for the Missouri Department of Corrections, where he retired after more than 20 years of employment. Richard was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Holts Summit, the Holts Summit Lions Club, American Legion Post 5, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed Western movies, wrestling, playing pool, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. Richard is survived by seven children: Tony Purdy (wife Darla) of Jefferson City, Billy Veltrop (wife Becky), Michael Veltrop (wife Leslie) of Holts Summit, Billy Purdy (wife Cathy) of Texas, Neal Purdy of Fort Leonard Wood, Debbie Rice (husband Lee) of Fort Leonard Wood, Christina Willis (husband Keith) of Holts Summit; one brother: Kenny Purdy (wife Dora) of Dearborn, Michigan; one sister: Cheryl Lawrence (husband Larry) of Texas; 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son: Richard Purdy Jr.; a grandson: Anthony Purdy; a sister: Georgiana LaForge; and his step-father: Stanley Addison. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at the Slater-Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Holts Summit. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 24, 2014, at the Slater-Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Holts Summit with Msgr. Gregory L. Higley officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the direction of SLATER-MILLARD Family Funeral Chapel, 540 South Summit Drive, Holts Summit, Missouri. (573) 896-5959. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com