Dr. Leo C Purvis went to be with our Lord on December 28, 2012. He was born in Atwell, Texas on November 30, 1919 to Fannie and Perry Purvis. Dr. Purvis graduated from Scranton High School in 1937. He received a BA Degree from Howard Payne College, an MA Degree from North Texas State University, and a Doctor of Education Degree from Texas Technological College. Dr. Purvis taught in Texas Public Schools for 39 years. He was a school teacher for 2 years then became a High School Principal. He served 17 years as a Superintendent of Schools and was Superintendent at the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD for 3 years. He moved to Stephenville, Texas in 1967. He started as an Assistant Professor at Tarleton State College and retired in 1981 as the first Dean of the School of Education of Tarleton State University. He was married to Louise Russum in 1940. He loved to tell the story of their love at first sight, their marriage at a church tent revival, and of their devoted love of 70 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Louise in 2010. He is survived by three children: Clois E. Purvis of Cisco, Texas, Sherry L. King of Richmond, Texas and Kenneth W. Purvis of Warren, AR. He had five grandchildren: Christopher and Stephen King, Christy Stone, Teresa Edwards, and Fern Baker. He had six great grandchildren: Hayden and Brady Stone, Brandon and Lucas Edwards, Aidan King, and Ruby Baker. Services will be held in Stephenville, Texas at 2 PM on Saturday, January 5, 2013 in the Lacy Funeral Home Chapel. Family visitation will start at 1 PM preceding the service with interment to follow the services in the Erath Gardens of Memory. The family suggests donations to Hospice Angels, 3801 Camden Road, Chapel Village1 Suite 12, Pine Bluff, AR. 71603.
Published in Star-Telegram on January 3, 2013