By HDN Staff
Williard E. "Bill" Purkett, 50, Havre, died Tuesday, May 16, 2000 at his residence of congestive heart failure.
Family visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the First Lutheran Church with Pastor Walt
Kirkegaard officiating. Burial with veteran honors to follow at Highland Cemetery.
Purkett was born July 30, 1949 in Havre to Willard and Evelyn Purkett. He attended school in Havre until 1967.
Purkett joined the U.S. Army on March 15, 1967 and was a Vietnam Veteran. He received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was wounded Feb. 6, 1969 in Vietnam.
Purkett married Marjorie (Marge) A. Strom on Nov. 20, 1981. They enjoyed traveling to Yuma, Ariz., boating with their children, and time their grandchildren and family.
Purkett was a member of the DAV, American Legion, VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart. He also was a member of the Milk River Good Sams, Elks and Eagles.
Purkett is survived by his parents of Havre; wife, Marge Purkett, of Havre; four sisters: Sharon Larson, Gayle Jenkins, Arla Keeling and Narda Anderson, all of Havre; two sons, Steve and Mike, both of Havre; daughter, Paula Ranes, of Havre; two grandchildren; several nieces and nephews
Memorials may be sent to The Bill Purkett Memorial Scholarship for Disabled Persons, c/o Marge Purkett, 1034 McKinley Ave., Havre, MT 59501.
Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.
