Ferrill A. Purdy

Ferrill A. Purdy, 96, of Columbia passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 surrounded by his family.

Services will be held at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel with visitation at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 20, 2018 and funeral services following at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Columbia Cemetery. 

Ferrill was born June 5, 1922 in Bosworth, MO to Floyd Roschel Purdy and Mable Alexia (Winfrey) Purdy and they preceded him in death. He was a 1940 graduate of Bosworth High School and entered into the United States Navy in 1941. He became commissioned as a United States Marine Fighter Pilot in 1943 - 1946. He joined the USMC-R from 1946-1964. He graduated from William Jewel College and the University of Missouri before being asked to become a member of the faculty and teach Pharmacology and Physiology for 38 years before retiring. He really enjoyed teaching his students. He also loved fishing and hunting.

He married El Loise Jennings on February 28, 1954 and she survives. They have two children who also survive, Gayla Maier (Roger) and Greg Purdy both of Columbia and a niece and a nephew.  Ferrill is also survived by his adopted families, the Sprys, the Crews, and the Adams.

He is also preceded in death by one brother, Edmond Dale Purdy.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Planes of Fame Air Museum 14998 Cal Aero Drive Chino, CA 91710 and all donations will go specifically to the plane he flew during World War II so they can keep it flying. (Please put "Purdy or Corsair" in the memo line of your check) You can also send a donation to the University of Missouri Cardiology Department, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202.

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