January 13, 2016

Harry Elwood Purdy, 93, of Foster, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, at his home. He was born May 28, 1922, to Harry Eldrin and Edna Ferguson Purdy near Trading Post, Kan.
Harry, one of two children, grew up near Trading Post, Kan., where he attended grade school. He attended Pleasanton High School in Pleasanton, Kan., where he enjoyed playing high school football.
Shortly after high school, Harry married Georgia McCoy; they started a life in Zillah, Wash.
Harry worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years. He had an opportunity to purchase his own land leveling company and he loved being a business owner. Harry later worked at Yakima County Waste Disposal leveling waste.
After the death of his first wife, Harry was united in marriage to Evelyn White Wisdom in 1997 and they came to Bates County.
Harry enjoyed his cattle, farm life and the rural living in Missouri. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and attended the First Baptist Church in Buena, Wash. and Amoret Christian Church.
Harry enjoyed fishing, camping, telling stories and hunting. He was always concerned with “Cookie”--a.k.a. Evelyn--and making sure she was taken care of. Harry was a wonderful dad and always there for his children.
Harry is survived by his wife, Evelyn Purdy of Foster, Mo.; one daughter, Noma Barnhouse of Zillah, Wash.; three stepsons, Duane Wisdom of Adrian, Mo., Otis “PeeWee” Wisdom and wife Connie of Collins, Mo., and Edward “Joker” Wisdom of Amoret, Mo.; two stepdaughters, Judy Gurley and husband Kenneth of Lowry City, Mo., and Irene Hicks and husband Mike of Amoret, Mo.; special friend Linda Wadel; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great- great-gandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Georgia McCoy; three sons, Irvin, Paul and Duane; one daughter, Sue Hodges; three stepsons, Leroy, Butch and Rusty; a stepdaughter, Evelyn Hoover; one sister, Louise Methis; two granddaughters, Annie Purdy and Angie Heigh; and great-grandson, Paul Purdy.
Funeral services were Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Mo., with Brother Charles King officiating. Burial was in West Hills Memorial Park in Yakima, Wash. Contributions to American Cancer Society. Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.