Gerald E. Purney

Gerald E. Purney, 76, of Clay Center, died Sunday morning, December 4, 2016, at Mercy-St. Charles Hospital, Oregon. Gerald was born January 24, 1940, in Clay Center, Ohio, to Vincent and Eleanor (Zunk) Purney. On August 3, 1963, in Fremont, Ohio, he married Carol Benadum and she survives. For over 46 years Gerald worked in maintenance at Owens-Illinois retiring in 2003. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. Gerald enjoyed fishing, NASCAR (a Dale Ernhart, Sr., fan), OSU football, Indians baseball and playing Euchre. He could always be found tinkering in his garage or going for nature rides. In addition to his wife, Carol, Gerald is survived by his mother, Eleanor Purney of Genoa, son, Kevin Purney of Hilliard, Ohio, daughter, Lori Purney of Genoa and grandson, Zachary Purney. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert (Kathy) Purney of Clay Center, Raymond (Barb) Purney of Perrysburg and sister, Arlene (Pat) Murphy of Millbury, as well as nephews, Troy, Tracy, Todd, Mike, Mark, and nieces, LeeAnn, April and Michelle. He was preceded in death by his father, his father and mother-in-law, Ted and Freda Benadum, and brother-in-law, Arthur Benadum. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa. The funeral service will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at the funeral home with burial to follow in Allen Township Cemetery, Williston. By Geralds request, please attend services in casual attire. Memorials may be directed to the Luther Home of Mercy, P.O. Box 187, Williston, OH 43468.