Richard Alan Purvis

Richard "Rick" Alan Purvis, 69, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO. He was born on October 24, 1953, in Kirksville, MO, the son of William Roscoe Purvis and Dora Dean Penny, who preceded him in death.

On October 27, 1974, at the Downing Baptist Church in Downing, MO, he was united in marriage to Betty Jo (McNary) Purvis, who resides in the home.

Rick served his country twenty years honorably in the United States Air Force, serving seventeen of those at Whiteman Air Force Base and the other three years at Vandenburg AFB, California. He worked another seventeen years at Whiteman in civil service before retiring the second time. He later went on to teach at State Fair Community College. He was an amazing leader, mentor, always had a smile on his face, and was a natural teacher. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Besides his wife, Rick is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Alan Purvis, Christopher Mark Purvis, and his wife Sarah Beth; six grandchildren, Isaac, Noah, Zach, Nevaeh, Zoey, and Connor; and three siblings, Larry Purvis, Phyllis Purvis, and Lynn Purvis.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at LifePointe Church, Sedalia, with Pastor Rusty Thomas officiating. The Whiteman Airforce Base Honor Guard will perform full military honors.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

The burial will be held at a later date at Highland Sacred Gardens, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be Isaac Purvis, Noah Purvis, Zach Blakey, Lonnie Vance, Phillip Purvis, and Shawn Blakey.

Honorary bearers will be Kurt Brashear, Bobby "Biff" Gentry, and Brandon Wilson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John Birch Society and the Disabled American Veterans in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.