Ed Purinton, age 67, WaKeeney, died Thursday, November 29, 2018, at his home. He was born February 3, 1951 in Quinter, KS to Leonard W. and Irene (Royce) Purinton.

Ed graduated from TCHS with the Class of 1969. While in high school he was proud to be a part of the 1968 M.C. L. High School Championship team that finished with an 8-0 record.
On August 7, 1971 he married Debby Pickering in WaKeeney Kansas. Ed was a member of the United Methodist Church of WaKeeney, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge of WaKeeney.

Ed worked for Montgomery Wards in Denver, CO from 1974-1976, until returning to the family farm south of Collyer, KS in 1976 to work with his Dad and brother, Wayne. While still engaged in farming he took on the job of groundskeeper at the WaKeeney Municipal Golf Course which he continued to do until he accepted a position with the City of WaKeeney in the Parks Department. He retired from the City in 2013.

Ed was a “people” person and never knew a stranger. Once someone met him they never forgot him. He loved to hunt and spent many memorable pheasant seasons and deer seasons hunting and swapping stories with family and friends. He was happiest when he was with a group of friends talking and laughing.

While his health permitted he went on several snowmobile trips to Idaho with his brother, Ron, and enjoyed playing golf with friends.

Survivors include his wife, Deb, brothers Wayne (Sandy) Purinton of WaKeeney, Chuck Purinton, and Ron (Cindy) Purinton, all of Sacramento, CA, a sister-in-law, Karen Pickering of Pueblo CO, nephews Troy Purinton, Cletus (Ashley) Purinton, Royce (Megan) Purinton, and nieces Kelly Pickering, Kim Fisher, Gina (Chris) Herren, and Shawnee (Scott) Legere, 15 great nieces and nephews, and many many wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Irene, a sister-in-law, Donette Purinton, and a brother-in-law, Larry Pickering.

Ed loved life and wanted to live it to its fullest. His courage and determination in battling his COPD in later years was amazing to behold. He never complained and didn’t let it slow him down while trying to do the things he enjoyed. His family and friends were a support and comfort to him.

Services will be held Wednesday, December 5th at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in WaKeeney, with burial to follow at the City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening December 4th from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, Wakeeney.

Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church or the Trego Co Historical Society. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.