Donald E. Purcell of Inverness, FL passed away at his home while surrounded by his loving family while under the care of Vitas Hospice on July 11, 2021 at the age of 89. He was born to the late John C. and Irene (Maze) Purcell on March 3, 1932 in New Castle, IN. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, working in intelligence during the Korean War. Donald attended Ball State University in Muncie, IN and went on to earn his Master’s Degree from the University of Notre Dame. He then began a long career in education as a math teacher for both high school and college level math classes. Donald was married to his loving wife Nancy for 64 years. Together they lived in Arlington Heights, IL, moved to Evansville, IN for a few years then settled in Inverness 25 years ago. After making Florida his home, Donald took up bicycle riding and became an avid rider who really enjoyed riding the Withlacoochee State Trail. He also loved to play golf in his spare time. Another pastime he enjoyed was watching horse racing. He once took a class on handicapping skills for races and won a contest on the same day, correctly picking 7 out of the 9 races. Donald greatly enjoyed sports and coached both football and baseball for his sons’ teams when they were teenagers.
In addition to his wife Nancy, those left to mourn Donald’s passing include his sons: Michael Purcell and his wife Ellie of Inverness, Rick Purcell and his wife Amy of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren: Molly Purcell and D.J. Purcell of Phoenix, AZ, Keith Purcell of Atlanta, GA, Kyle Purcell of Orlando, FL; step grandchildren: Chase Musser and his wife Meghan of Orlando, FL, Lauren Gras and her husband Ben of Orlando, FL; sister in law, Lynda Purcell of Inverness, FL; brothers in law: Jerry Winters and his wife Mary of Fort Wayne, IN, Keith Winters and his wife Jean of Inverness, FL, John Shultz of Lakeland, FL. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Purcell; sisters in law, Sheila Shultz and Julia Nuss; and brother in law, David Nuss.
A gathering of Donald’s friends and family for sharing and remembrance will take place at the Inverness Golf and Country Club on Saturday July 17th 2021 from 3PM to 5PM. Cremation care by the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL.
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