Phil Purdy

We celebrate the life of Phillip Neal Purdy, a beloved member of the Chariton community, who passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on February 13, 2024. We invite you to join us in honoring his life at a special event on Saturday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Chariton. Prior to the service, at 10:00 a.m., his family will be receiving friends and after the service a luncheon will be held at the church for a time of fellowship. Phil's family requests that you please consider making a donation to the Chariton Public Library in his memory.

Phil was born on January 31, 1935, in Guthrie Center, Iowa, as the youngest of 11 children to Perry and Hope Purdy. Despite the challenges of growing up during the Great Depression, Phil graduated from Albia High School in 1952.  Phil met Caroldene Clevenger while roller skating in Oskaloosa, and they were married in 1955 in New Sharon, Iowa.

Phil's passion for agriculture led him to work for the Ag program at Iowa State University before pursuing a career in sales. He excelled in selling farm equipment and won numerous sales competitions, earning him trips and cruises. However, his true love and occupation was farming, and he always looked forward to coming home to it.

Together, Phil and Caroldene loved to travel and experienced many adventures together. They especially enjoyed cruises and traveling with their friends, Chuck and Murldene Wyatt. One of their most memorable trips was to Hawaii. They also enjoyed camping and boating with their entire family and shared a love for country music, often attending concerts together. Phil was an avid reader and a strong supporter of the public library. His deep faith was evident through his active involvement in the churches he attended, including Hartford Presbyterian Church and Grace Baptist Church.

Chariton was always considered home for Phil and Caroldene, and in 2002 they built their dream home there. Phil had a special love for Christmas and would go all-out decorating his home and property for the holiday season. Most of all, he cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren and loved having his family together.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Hope; and his siblings, Lorna, Lois, Gertrude, Francis, Margaret, Gail, Bud, Roger, Max, and Keith. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 68 years, Caroldene; his children, son Greg and his wife Toni, and their children, Shaay and Leif Purdy; daughter Diane Hawkinson and her husband Gary, along with their children, Dan and Jason Hawkinson; and numerous other loved ones and friends.

Let us come together to celebrate the remarkable life of Phil Purdy, a man who will always be remembered for his love, faith, and dedication to his family and community.