Roy W. Purkes, 79, of Taylorville, passed away at 9:40 p.m. on Monday, August 22, 2022, at his residence.
Roy was born April 19, 1943, in Taylorville, the son of Edward Arthur and Claudine (Deavers) Purkes. He married Evangeline A. “Angie” Boyd on October 8, 1977, and they have enjoyed nearly 45 years of marriage.
Roy graduated from Taylorville High School with the Class of 1961 and went on to work with Fiat Allis as a lathe operator for 27 years, when they closed the plant. He then attended diesel mechanics classes at Lincoln Land Community College, before retiring from Wal-Mart after 20 years of service as an alignment technician. Roy’s passion was riding Harley’s and traveling with Angie. They were able to drive and see 41 of the 48 contiguous states. Roy was also an avid nap taker, and he loved his riding lawn mowers.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Roy W. Purkes II and Charles T. Purkes; stepson, Randal Maroon; stepdaughter, Cindy Maroon; and brother, Ronnie Purkes.
Roy is survived by his wife, Angie Purkes of Taylorville; children, Randy (Virgil Calvert) Purkes of Tower Hill, Carol (Brandon) Johnson of Decatur, Bryan (Robin) Bland of Stover, MO, and Francene Hague of Taylorville; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, Art (Ruth) Purkes of Cisne, Bill Purkes of Cadiz, KY, and Rose Moses of Alabama; sister-in-law, Belle Sims of Herrick; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Memorial Home Services Hospice, 644 N. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62702.
The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville with arrangements.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Roy, or to offer condolences to his family.
