Van Marvin Purcell

May 2, 1927 ~ August 26, 2007

Van Marvin Purcell passed away on August 26, 2007, in Grants, New Mexico.

Marvin was born on May 2, 1927 in Shamrock, Texas to Elva Wight Purcell and Van Zan Purcell. He lived in Texas until he enlisted in the Navy in June, 1944, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre in WWII and was honorably discharged in February of 1946.

He and his wife, Geraldine Fisher Purcell, moved from Texas to Cortez, Colorado, then to Monticello, Utah, in 1956 where they raised their four sons: Russell, Truitt, Stanley, and Eddie Purcell. Marvin and Jerry moved to Grants, New Mexico, in 1973 where he lived until his passing.

Marvin made his living working as an iron worker, auto body and fender repairman for Edway Redd Chevrolet in Monticello and Tom Redd Ford in Blanding, Utah. He worked as a maintenance supervisor in uranium drilling Grants, New Mexico, and later owned a trucking business in Arizona and New Mexico.

He served on the jeep posse in Monticello. He enjoyed motorcycles, played softball, and loved hunting and fishing. Blue Mountain held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his wife, sons and families, brothers James and Earl Purcell, and sister Nelda Moyers.