Mike Purdon

John Michael “Mike” Purdon, 81, passed away at his home in Ozawkie, KS on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Mike was the quintessential family man, wildly proud of and active in the lives of his children and grandchildren. A kind, gentle, generous man, Mike had a positive attitude and infectious optimism about life. Those qualities made all who met him feel welcomed and valued; he never met a stranger and was a friend to all.  Although he could fix anything, it wouldn’t necessarily be a “fancy fix.”  Mike was never late to anything: he ran on Purdon Time.  Always a delight to his friends and family, Mike loved entertaining others with his puns, (terrible) jokes, and wordsmithing. He was also a life-long learner who enjoyed history and intelligent discussion.

Mike was born in Pittsburg, Kansas on January 31, 1942, to John Joseph and Frances (Hoffman) Purdon. After his mother’s passing when he was 14 months old, he remained in the care of his beloved dad and aunts until his dad remarried Elva (Howerton) Purdon, who later adopted him. Mike’s dad passed away in 1953.

In 1964, Mike married Laura Olson, and they had two children, Lisa and Craig Purdon.  In 1977, Mike remarried Barabara Hehn, and they had three children: Kathryn, Erin, and Scott Purdon. They were happily married for 32 years until his “Barbie” passed away in 2009. Later, Mike met his life partner, Merrie Lewis. They were together from 2014 until Mike’s passing.

After graduating Iola High School in 1960, Mike joined the Army National Guard Reserves. In 1965, Mike graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from Pittsburg State University.  Mike was a founding member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.  In the 1970s and 1980s he was a manager with Ryder Truck Rental Co. in Topeka, Kansas. Mike worked for TARC, Inc. from 1996 until he retired in 2014. At TARC, Mike found his true calling, working as a tireless advocate serving adults with disabilities.

With a love for country living and the great outdoors, his favorite activities included hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, gardening, and visiting the Konza Prairie. Mike was a longtime runner, competing in countless road runs and Tin Man triathlons in the 70’s/80s and beyond. In later years, he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s numerous theatre, dance, and athletic events.

Mike is survived by his adoring children: Lisa Purdon, Lawrence, KS; Craig (Polly) Purdon, Bangkok Thailand; Kathryn (Adam) Brown, Kansas City, MO; Erin (Phillip) Martin, Kansas City, MO; and Scott (Patty) Purdon, Perry, KS; his grandchildren: Lilly Purdon, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Coy Garrett, Lawrence, KS; Peter Purdon, Bangkok, Thailand; Lucille and Hazel Purdon, Perry, KS; Victoria Brown, Kansas City, MO; Phillip John “PJ” and Charlotte Martin, Kansas City, MO; and his cousin Kent Howerton, Kansas City, MO.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 25th from 5:00-7:00pm at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Funeral will be held Wednesday, April 26th at 10:00am at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Meriden, with a reception to follow in the church hall.

The family suggests memorial contributions in Mike’s name to TARC, Inc., or The Nature Conservancy, and may be sent care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13 ^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.