Frank Carlisle Purple, age 71 of Spring Bay Illinois passed away at 2:04 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Lacon, Illinois. He was surrounded by his family.
Frank was born on April 7, 1938 in Clay City, Indiana to John and Jamie (Dimmett) Purple, Sr. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Ann Raker on December 24, 1964. They recently observed their 45th wedding anniversary. She survives.
Frank is further survived by his son, John (Dawn) Purple of Spring Bay, and his daughter, Julie (William) Saathoff of East Peoria. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jamie Purple (fiancée, Daniel Zilm),Justin Thaller, and Jordan Thaller; Jessica (Joshua) Miller, Brandon Saathoff, Jennifer Saathoff and Jillian Saathoff; and by 5 great-grandchildren, Drew and Chase Purple, Jade Thaller, Hailey and Baby Girl Miller due in April.
Frank is survived by four brothers; Charles (Alicia) Purple of Peoria, Illinois, Thomas (Phyllis) Purple of Stockton, Illinois, Daniel (Marguerite) Purple of Deer Lodge, Tennessee, and James (Ellen) Purple of Deer Lodge, Tennessee. Frank is also survived by his best friend of more than 50 years, Elgin Huber, who was like a brother to him.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jamie Purple Sr., as well as his older brother John Purple, Jr. who died in combat in the Korean War, and his only sister Jamie Snider.
Frank attended grade school in the Sparland, Illinois area, graduating Salutatorian of his eighth grade class. He graduated from Woodruff High School in 1956. After graduation, he joined the Army National Guard. He owned Purple Bros. Insurance in Peoria, Illinois and had been in the Insurance Business for 48 years before retiring in 2007. He was an amazing donor for the Red Cross. He had donated more than 9 gallons and was a routine donor for platelets for the children with Leukemia. He had received numerous awards for his donations over the years.
Frank was a member of the Peoria Chapter Izaak Walton League and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #1115 as well as a lifetime member of the AMVETS Post #64. He was very proud to serve as the chaplain for the American Legion Post. He was a former member of the Lion’s Club. He was a member of the RiversEdge United Methodist Church in Spring Bay, Illinois.
Frank had a love of the Illinois River and bought a home on her shoreline, living there for 34 years. He had numerous boats over his lifetime, including cruisers and his houseboat, the Deep Purple II. He also enjoyed old cars. He had a collection of cars from the 20’s to the 60’s, which in most cases, he restored to their original beauty.
Family held the greatest importance to Frank, and was his greatest joy and love. He always had a beautiful smile, never knew a stranger and touched the lives of everyone he knew in wonderful ways. He was a story-teller; he could tell a story with such detail that one imagined themselves being there. He had a wonderful mind and had excellent recall for dates, places and people. Despite never achieving his college degree, he was well-read, had excellent penmanship and was a thoughtful writer. He ensured that his son and daughter both graduated from Bradley University. He will be sadly missed but we can take comfort in that he is finally at peace with the Lord.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and extend special thanks to his nurses and hospice care at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Lacon as well as to the wonderful sisters of St. Joseph’s for their comfort and compassion.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peoria Chapter Izaak Walton League or to the American Legion Post #1115.
Services will be at 10:00am Tuesday March 9, 2010 at Mason’s Funeral Home in Germantown Hills, Illinois. Visitation will be Monday, March 8, 2010 from 4-7p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the Funeral Home . The Reverend Dr. Joe Richard will be officiating. Entombment will follow at Springdale Mausoleum in Peoria, where military rites will be accorded by his Legion Post. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com