Obituary of John Wesley Purdue

John W. Purdue

October 5, 1947 – January 15, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John W. Purdue, 75, of Englewood, Florida, who passed away on January 15, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Born October 5, 1947, in Curwensville, PA, John lived almost all his life in Enola, PA, and retired to Englewood.

A graduate of East Pennsboro High School, John served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1970.  He retired from ABF with over 2 million accident-free miles.  He was a member of Englewood Moose Lodge 1933, Rotonda American Legion, Perry F&AM Marysville, Enola Sportsman’s Club and Harrisburg Consistory 32° Scottish Rite Freemason.

Affectionately known as Papa John, he loved Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, every Clint Eastwood spaghetti western & Dirty Harry movie and MASH. He enjoyed watching football and was a lifelong Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers fan.  Papa John loved snacking and watching Price is Right with his grand-dog, Spock.

John was preceded in death by his parents Donald & Gertrude (Lord) Purdue and brother Donald Jr.  He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Karen Leonard Purdue, his daughters Jody Schmeltz, and Jamie Wagner (Keith), brother Wilmer and sister-in-law Barbara Leonard.  He was grandfather to Christina Schmeltz, Rachael McDonald (Cedrick), Wesley Purdue-Hogben (Brooke), Caitlin Schmeltz, Adrian Schmeltz, and great-grandfather to Ila Purdue-Hogben.

Service will be private, at the convenience of the family.  Interment will be at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238.