Dwight Daniel Purvis

Memorial & Obituary of Dwight "Dan" Purvis
Born: August 30, 1944, Kansas City, KS
Passed Away: August 12, 2024
On a late summer day in 1944, Kansas City, Kansas, was graced with the arrival of Dwight "Dan" Purvis, a man whose vibrancy and zest for life would leave a lasting mark on everyone he met.
"The worst you can get is a no or fail."-the implication being that you should always try, or you'll regret it more than if you hadn't. This mantra, often shared by Dan, encapsulates the fearless spirit with which he approached every aspect of his life. Known to all as Dan and some as UD or Fancy Dan, his existence was a profound journey marked by dedication, joy, and an undying spirit of adventure, resonating both on the golf greens and in every meaningful facet of his daily existence.
Family Man: The Core of His World
Dan's universe revolved around his family. He is survived by his wife Julie, his partner of six decades, his son John, his grandchildren Joni and Josh, and his treasured great-grandchildren, Maci, Lily, and baby Jack, who carries the middle name Dwight in honor of his great-grandfather, ensuring the family legacy lives on. Each relationship was cherished with Dan's unique blend of humor, resilience, and boundless energy. A beloved recent tradition, particularly reflective of Dan and Julie's enduring love, involved Dan's weekend calls to Panera to reserve two soufflés-a simple act so cherished that staff knew him by name and made exceptions just for him.
The Eternal Entrepreneur
Far from embracing retirement, Dan remained a tireless entrepreneur. His commitment to his mobile home park enterprises and property developments was not born out of career ambition but out of a necessity to provide for his family. Each business decision was meticulously crafted, a stepping stone towards securing a stable future for his loved ones.
A Legacy on the Greens
For Dan, golf was more than a leisure activity; it was a vital extension of his life philosophy. He often quipped that trees were "90% air," suggesting that the risk of going through them could sometimes pay off. The course was a place where he imparted life's most crucial lessons to his grandchildren, about integrity, perseverance, and the importance of commitment. He meticulously planned each match, ensuring he and his grandchildren were well-prepared to tackle the course effectively come game day. This strategic approach not only improved their game but also imparted crucial life lessons about planning and risk-taking.
Stories to Remember
John reminisces about his childhood adventures with Dan, from riding on a tractor's fender to navigating snowy escapades in St. Joe. These memories paint a vivid picture of a father whose teachings were interwoven with fun and forgiveness, including a humorous incident involving a snow plow and a neighbor's car-which Dan took responsibility for, much to John's relief.
Joni, affectionately nicknamed 'baby bird' by Dan, reflects on the profound influence her grandfather had on her life. "The golf course was our home away from home," she says. "He was my grandpa, dad, coach, and ultimately my hero. His wisdom and wit were unparalleled, and his ability to fix any problem was something that seemed almost magical to me. He adored his great-grandchildren and spoiled them rotten, creating endless beautiful memories."
Josh shares a heartfelt tribute, describing Dan as "the cornerstone of my courage and curiosity." He continues, "Grandpa taught me to embrace life with the question, 'Why not?' His blend of humor and resilience shaped me into who I am today. His emotional strength, demonstrated even in moments as tender as watching a film or listening to a song, was as inspiring as it was moving."
Community Impact
Dan also left a lasting impact on his community, particularly through coaching. He led a traveling soccer team for over a decade, touching the lives of many young players, including his own grandchildren. His coaching extended beyond sports, as he instilled values of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship in many.
A Life Lived Fully
Dan's life was a tapestry woven with diverse experiences and deep commitments. From nearly making it to the Olympics as a figure skater, managing successful mobile home park enterprises, to breaking horses and coaching winning soccer teams, he embraced each venture with vigor and passion. Family life was at the core of everything he did, whether it was passing on valuable lessons to his grandchildren on the golf course or playfully sneaking cookies from the secret spots Julie thought were hidden. Each phase of his life was marked not just by the pursuits he undertook but by the laughter he shared, the wisdom he imparted, and the cookies he swiped-each moment infused with the spirit of living fully and loving deeply.
As we say, "It's not goodbye, it's till next time," we celebrate Dan's remarkable journey-a life lived with unyielding strength, humor, and love, leaving a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those he touched. His spirit, encapsulated in the stories we cherish and share, continues to guide and inspire us.
Celebration of Life will be held August 31, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at St. Francis De Sales Catholic church in the Robert Lee Martz Hall at 900 Ida Street Lansing, Kansas, 66043.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.