Benjamin Franklin Purdy

Family-Placed Obituary

Benjamin Franklin Purdy Benjamin Franklin Purdy died peacefully on Wednesday, December 1, 2004, at Seton Medical Center. He died of complications from congestive heart failure. Ben recently celebrated his 80th birthday. The only child of Floyd Purdy and Lona Randell, he was born in Terrell, Tex., on Sept. 22, 1924. After his parents' untimely death, he was raised by his Aunt Elloda Pratt outside of Wills Point, Tex. Ben is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carol Havighurst Purdy. Ben is also survived by his two sons, one daughter and three grandchildren: his eldest son, Robert Benjamin and wife Cathy of Austin, Tex., their children Sara Beth and John Thomas; his second son, Eugene Freeman and wife Sheila of Georgetown, Tex., their daughter Lindsay Brooke; and his only daughter, Laura Anne of Vancouver, Wash. During World War II, Ben served his country proudly as a B-17 ball-turret gunner in the 8th Air Force, 96th Bomb Group, 337th Squadron. He was stationed in England and flew 23 missions over Europe, including two on D-Day. His assignments also took him to Russia, the Middle East and North Africa. Upon his return to Texas as a decorated veteran, he earned his bachelor s and master s degrees in Industrial Psychology from Southern Methodist University in 1951. Ben and Carol were married in Moberly, Mo., on June 29, 1952. From 1952-56 he worked in Texas City, Tex., for Monsanto Chemical Co. In 1956, Ben joined Standard Oil in Venezuela, where both of his sons were born. After moving his family to Austin, Tex., in 1962, his daughter was born in 1963. Ben worked for the State Comptroller and later for the Dept. of Human Resources until he retired in 1983. Ben and Carol spent their retirement years traveling extensively. Ben was a passionate reader, reveled in discussing history and politics and was a superb storyteller. The family would like to extend special thanks to David Morris, M.D., Timothy Hines, M.D., Peter Nutson, M.D. and also to the nurses and staff of Seton Medical Center. Cremation has taken place and at his request his ashes will be scattered at Lake Travis and off the Oregon Coast. According to his wishes there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or to a charity of your choice.