Obituary of Joseph Ralph Purlee

Orleans – Joseph Ralph Purlee, 87, of Orleans, passed away at 10:03 pm on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at his residence. Born September 4, 1932, in Bryantsville, IN, he was the son of Ralph and Ruth (Sears) Purlee. He married Orpha L. Jewell on December 9, 1955, and she preceded him in death on October 21, 2016. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the 73rd Tank Battalion of the U.S. Army. He retired from Indiana Bell and was a member of the Central Church of Christ in Bedford. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge #14 F & AM. Survivors include a son, Bradley J. Purlee and wife, Lee, of Mitchell; two daughters, Kimberly L. McFarland and husband, Roy, of Orleans and Kelly L. Cassidy and husband, Joe, of Bedford; five grandchildren, John Purlee, Brittany Purlee and husband, Jamie Pitts, Andy McFarland, Katie McFarland, and Bowen Cassidy. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a brother, Franklin Purlee and a sister, Vera Purlee. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Monday, December 23rd in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Rick Leach and Clovis Parsley officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 22nd at the Day & Carter Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request memorial contributions be made to the Central Church of Christ or Honor Flight of Southern Indiana. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.