William Floyd Purtle

William Floyd Purtle, 78, El Dorado Springs, passed away at his home March 12, 2009. Floyd was born on July 16, 1939, in Birdsong to Arthur and Mattie (Ellerman) Purtle.

Floyd grew up in the neighboring community of Blackjack. He attended Greenwood Country School and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1948. At six-feet-six and 215 pounds, he was an accomplished and noted athlete in football, basketball and baseball, but baseball was his particular passion. He was invited to try out for the Chicago Cubs and was also offered a contract to play for the then Kansas City Athletics, but unfortunately was unable to pursue either opportunity due to his induction into the United States Army on Feb. 5, 1952, and service in the Korean War.

As a soldier, Floyd distinguished himself in combat and was awarded two Bronze Campaign Stars for courage under fire, as well as the United Nations Service Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. He finished his tour of duty stateside at Camp Crowder and was honorably discharged on April 16, 1960.

Upon his return to civilian life, Floyd helped work the family farm in Blackjack for a time before embarking on a long career as a long-haul truck driver, which he continued well into the last year of his life before officially retiring due to his health.

Floyd married Lois Kennedy, of Humansville, on Nov. 18, 1956. This union saw the birth of two sons, Robert Lloyd in 1959, and Kevin Ray in 1962. In 1969, Lois was diagnosed with colon cancer. From then until her passing in 1991, Floyd was tirelessly devoted to his wife’s care and providing for his family, working long, grueling hours that might well have discouraged a lesser man. He never really got over his wife’s passing and lovingly tended her memory until the end of his own life.

Preceding Floyd in death were his parents; his wife, Lois; his brother, Calvin; and two sisters, Lucy Burns and Mabel Goodwin.

Floyd is survived by his two sons, Robert and Kevin Purtle – El Dorado Springs; three sisters – Minnie Burns and Zephie Ellerman – El Dorado Springs, and Allene Baker–– Springfield; as well as a number of nieces; nephews and cousins.

Floyd will be greatly missed as a husband, father, brother and friend.

Services were held Tuesday, March 17, in the Bland-Hackleman Chapel in El Dorado Springs with his nephew, Dennis Goodwin, officiating and also providing music. Interment followed in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home – El Dorado Springs.

Pallbearers were - Robert Purtle, Kevin Purtle, Ronald Purtle, Albert Goodwin, Curtis Burns, Terry Lynn burns, John Burns and Dwain Witt.

Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans and left at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.