FREDERICKTOWN – Marvin Thomas Purdy, 80, of Fredericktown, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 11, 2021. He was born on Dec. 27, 1940, in Bellville, the son of Thomas and Blanche (Cox) Purdy.
Marvin was a 1958 graduate of Fredericktown High School and worked at American National Can, where he retired in 1998.
Sometimes known as Curly, he was an avid horseman, sheep farmer and auction-goer. He enjoyed cheering on the Cleveland Indians, the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State University Buckeyes. Above all other hobbies, Marvin enjoyed a lifetime of harness racing.
He will be remembered by his family and all who knew him as a kind, caring, generous man with an easygoing personality and gentle heart.
He was a beloved father to Mike (Jenny) Jessee of Fredericktown, Lisa (Bryan) Weinstein of Wilton Manors, Florida; Mark (Laurie) Purdy of Lewis Center and Matt (Autumn) Purdy of Westerville; a loving grandfather to Clint (Lauren) Sockman, Nathan (Kait) Sockman, Dorinda (Jeff) Kline, Jake Jessee; Judith Anne, Genia, Abby, Thomas, Mariah, Cassius, Lydia and Jude Purdy; a doting great-grandfather to Liv, Mila, Talia, Arlo, Remi, Jayce and Henley; and a devoted brother of Jim Purdy of Fredericktown.
Besides his parents, Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Ann (Ewers); and siblings, Alma Cline, Wilma Brake and Phil Purdy.
Friends may call on Monday, March 15, from 4-6 p.m. at the Snyder Funeral Home in Fredericktown, where a prayer service will follow at 6 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 16, beginning at 11 a.m. in Forest Cemetery in Fredericktown.
Memorial contributions in Marvin’s name may be made to the Knox County Harness Association.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Snyder Funeral Home of Fredericktown is honored to serve the family of Marvin Thomas Purdy.
