Donald Raymond Purcell, 89, of Idaho Falls, passed away August 16, 2026, at his home. He was under the care of Oakstone Hospice.

Don was born July 22, 1937, in Burr Oak, Kansas, to Harry Edward Purcell and Hazel Neva Kelly Purcell. He grew up and attended schools in Concordia, Kansas, and completed his education at Boulder High School in Colorado. After high school, Don served in the USFS fighting fires in California. Following that, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1955. While he gained experience on several vessels during his service, the most notable were the USS America and the Forrestal aircraft carrier. Don was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1967, and went on to pursue a career as an electrical engineer, with a focus on nuclear energy.

On January 27, 1972, he married Peggy Lee Brennan in Boulder, Colorado. Don and Peggy decided to move to Idaho Falls, Idaho, in 1988 to start their farm. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, and creating new inventions. He had a passion for ongoing learning.

Don is survived by his daughters, Donna Purcell of Idaho Falls, ID, Patricia Moore of Colorado Springs, CO, and Annette Purcell of Idaho Falls, ID; as well as his 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Lee Purcell; his daughter, Kelly Purcell; his parents, Harry and Hazel Purcell; his sisters, Maybell Ahrens and Lavern Harris; and his brothers, Duane Purcell, Gene Purcell, and Jerry Purcell.

Don will be placed to rest in the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Blackfoot, Idaho, on August 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Private family services will be held.