Kenneth Purcell

On February 10, 2014, Kenneth C. “Kenny” Purcell, alias Curly, departed this realm, shook off the shackles of this earthly plantation, and ditched his loved ones to further his relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ. Kenneth was born February 21, 1948, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Gerald Everett Purcell and Florence Dorothy Oswald Purcell. He grew up and attended schools in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. Kenny served this country in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam, attaining the rank of Sergeant. During his service he worked as a jet mechanic in Arizona winning accommodations. He returned to Idaho Falls to be an amazing uncle to a cluster of nieces and nephews and he worked as a labor foreman for a number of companies at the INEEL. Kenny had many hobbies, including lovingly restoring old cars, bowling, and donating to countless charities. His favorite activity was, without a doubt, spending time with his family. Kenny single handedly kept A&W in business by being the root beer benefactor at every family function. He accompanied family adventures, including the annual Island Park camping trip. One year in particular he saved the day by taking the entire crew out for a pizza dinner after four straight days of rain. Kenny loved traveling far and wide both with family and on solo road trips. He is survived by his brothers, Steven (Camille) Purcell; Mike (KayAnn) Purcell; Ron (Lori) Purcell, and Joe Dee (Inna) Purcell. Although Kenny had no children of his own, he was a guiding influence to seventeen nieces and nephews, forty-one great nieces and nephews, and eight great-great-nieces and nephews. His family and friends will feel deeply the loss of their generous and devoted brother, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Florence Purcell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kenny’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or to the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission at ifrescue mission.org. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2014, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m, both at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery with military rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard.

Funeral Services will be held

11 a.m. ,Monday, February 24, 2014 Wood Funeral Home 273 North Ridge Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services.