Lawrence Purnell

Lawrence Adrian Purnell, 76, passed away April 9, 2011, at University of Toledo Medical Center. Born October 16, 1934 in Charleston, West Virginia, Lawrence was the fourth of nine children born to Jerome and Glennetta Purnell. He was baptized as a young child at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Charleston, West Virginia. He graduated from Garnet High School in 1951 and was awarded a music scholarship to attend Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering in 1956. While in college, he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. After college, his engineering career lead him to the Washington, DC area, where he held positions with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a Design Engineer, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) as a Construction Engineer, and Department of Human Services, Youth Services Administration. After more than 40 years of engineering accomplishments, he retired in 2005. His lifelong passion was music, his instrument was percussions. He played in small combos, and subsequently formed his own Jazz group. They played in and around the Washington DC area. In November 2007, he relocated to Toledo, Ohio due to failing health to live with his sister. Lawrence enjoyed reading, writing, and staying abreast of current events. He loved his family and valued his many friends. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings. He leaves to cherish his memory, son, Terrence Leroy Purnell, Washington, DC; sisters, Iris Page-Jones (Gilbert), Toledo, Ohio and Arvis Emelda Purnell, Charleston, West Virginia; nieces and nephews, Debra Thomas of Ypsilanti, MI, Cheryl Jones, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Fredrick (Patsy) Page, Atlanta, GA, Kevin Purnell, Ann Arbor, MI, Eric M. Page, Toledo, OH, along with a host of other relatives and special friends. Wake services will be Saturday 12:30 p.m. followed by funeral services at 1:30 p.m. Third Baptist Church, Pastor Kevin J. Bedford SR officiant. The family wishes to give special thanks to Dave Dresser RN and the staffs of The Toledo Hospital both ICU and Emergency Room., Advanced Specialty Hospital and Dr. Thomas Smallwood. Memorial donations can be made to Third Baptist Church or the charity of the donors choice. www.dalefh.com