PURCELL, Virgil Lewis

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ >>> Published on Friday, December 29, 2017 <<< >>> Jan. 28, 1921-Nov. 27, 2017<<< Virgil “Bob” Lewis Purcell, 96, passed away peacefully at home in Lake Havasu City on Nov. 27, 2017. Born Jan. 28, 1932 in Manteca, California, he was the eldest son of Homer and Elsie Purcell. Bob proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, 1951-1955. He was a graduate from the College of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Bob was an active member and director of the Santa Monica Yacht Club while living in Marina del Rey. He had many friends that he enjoyed sailing up and down the coast and on trips to Catalina. He called Hawaii his second home. There, Bob and his wife Carole were remarried every five years in the Fern Grotto on Kauai. He enjoyed his 1915 Faye & Bowen boat “Lark” in Marina del Rey and could be seen on weekends on the waters of the marina with his glass of Champagne and a big smile on his face. Bob truly enjoyed boating on Lake Havasu with his family and their beloved boat “Fanny Dragon.” He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carole Bellerue-Purcell; his children (from previous marriage to Sandra Knocke Purcell) Cynthia (David) Purcell Messing, Keith Purcell, Kirk Purcell; grandchildren David, Matthew and Megan Messing, Timothy Purcell and Devin Purcell. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Vernon “Tony” Purcell. A private service will be held for family. In lieu of flowers, family has kindly requested donations to be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society.