Mike Purdon
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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. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Mike was one of the most kind and most genuine people I have known. I think of him often and all the things he would do that helped make the office a great place to be. I can only imagine how much more he impacted family and friends and how much he will be missed. I hope your memories bring you some comfort.
To the Purdon Family….I worked with Mike for over 16 yrs at TARC and was there when he lost his beautiful wife. Hands down, Mike is one of the most sincerest and kindest persons I have ever had the pleasure to meet and spend time with. He was a great gentleman that would give you the shirt off his back and his summer pawpaw fruits sprinkled with chili pepper. I will never forget him. I’m deeply sorry for your family’s loss.
To the Purdon family, I am so deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Mike, I too worked with Mike at TARC. He was so kind, his smiles were contagious, true gentleman. Sending my deepest sympathy to all, Rest in Peace my friend!
So very sorry to of Mike’s passing. He was a wonderful person and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. May God bless your family and bring you peace.
To the Purdon Family…. Mike was one of the greatest I have ever known and always so thoughtful of everyone. He done so much at TARC for so many years and for those with intellectual disabilities. He was truly an exceptional soul. He taught me so much having worked beside him and I was blessed to call him my friend. My condolences and prayers to his family and children.
Mike was a good and caring person who I considered my friend in Iola, Ks. High School. He will be sadly missed by myself and his good friend Lee Ellis, also from Iola High School.
Leo D. Robinson, Jr.
Class of 1960 Iola High School
Phoenix Az. 85020
The world was a better place with Mike in it. RIP
Mike was one of the kindest and most caring individuals I have ever known. He was a very good friend from early childhood onward. I will miss him for as long as I live.
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Your dad was an amazing person. Always so kind and friendly . He will forever be with you in your hearts filled with wonderful memories
I consider myself one of the luckiest people to have been able to call Mike my friend and fraternity brother. He is without a doubt one of the nicest people I have ever known. His infectious smile, personality and humor will always be in my heart and memory. He was one of a kind and his loss will only be filled by the memories of the laughter he brought to me. Rest in peace my friend.
Mike Purdon holds a very special place in my heart. In 1976, Mike was promoted from Safety Manager to Rental Manager at Ryder Truck Rental in Topeka. I was hired to backfill Mike’s former role. Mike bent over backwards to help me learn my new job as he was learning his new job. He was very kind to me and I considered him more as a friend than a co-worker. I’m sure that his character lives on in his children and theirs.
I worked with Mike at Ryder Truck Rental back in the 70’s and 80’s.
He was a very nice person to be around.
My prayers and Condolences are with his family.
So very sorry to of Mike’s passing. He was a wonderful caring person and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. May God comfort your family and bring you peace.
Mike brings so many happy memories. Special one: In Iola, we kept our horses
at close farms, so we would meet to ride together. So much fun.
He was such a gentleman and wonderful person – with such contagious smile! xoxo
Marilyn (Hoye) Lee
I’m so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. I didn’t know Mike, but I know his daughter, Kathryn, who is a kind, compassionate person with the heart of a tireless advocate. Clearly, she takes after her dad. Through her, Mike’s “true calling” will continue on. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Purdon family.
My condolences to the Purdon families. I was saddened to learn of Mike’s passing.
To all who loved Mike,
What a privilige to walk on the same path in life with Mike, learning from his wisdom, wit, and love for life and his family. When he retired from TARC, we no longer had contact, yet it feels as if just yesterday we were sharing a laugh in a meeting. For those of you who are in our world because of him, or blessed to be his family and life partner my deepest sympathies as the loss of his physical presence in your life leaves such a huge void. He loved you like no other.
Babbie and I became good friends in college with Mike and will forever hold him in high regard. He made a point at last years Homecoming to gather a bunch of Pikes on the phone to wish me luck with my Cancer. I have NEVER met any man (person) who showed so much love and affection for us all. We love you Mr. Purdon and you my friend will be sorely missed..God Bless Mary and his entire family
Erin I’m so sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family 💕
Lord, please comfort this family in their time of sadness. Let them not forget those many happy times with Mike. God bless you all. AMEN.
To the Purdon family… On behalf of the members and staff of InterHab, I would like to convey our deepest condolences. Mike contributed greatly to InterHab’s advocacy and policy development efforts, and freely gave of his expertise to the benefit of all Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
I very much appreciated Mike’s insights, warm smile and never-ceasing enthusiasm. Mike will be deeply missed.
Mike, what a Joy you have been in my Life as a fellow classmate!!!! You always had a smile and a positive word for everyone. If I needed a friend, I could always count on you for a friendly word and smile!!! You have many offspring that have been honored and nurtured by you as being the head of your Family! Bless all of you!
I’ll see you in Heaven and we can have our next Class Reunion there! What a Party it will be!!!
Love, your friend, Jacquelyn Smith
I always enjoyed chatting with Mike whenever he dropped by the newspaper office to talk about his mother-in-law and her story. The world sure could use more people like him.