Charles Richard Purdom

August 21  2023

Charles Richard Purdom, 81, a lifelong resident of Xenia, Ohio teed off the green for the last time on Monday, August 21, 2023 at home surrounded by family. He was born April 27, 1942, in Xenia, Ohio, to Edwin Charles Purdom and Eloise Catherine Stewart Purdom.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Maria ‘Moe’ Nelson Purdom, whom he married June 20, 1964, and children, Paula (Greg) Sollenberger of Jamestown and Alan (Tiffany) Purdom of Xenia. He had five grandchildren: Michael Ames, Chadd (Marissa) Sollenberger, Skyler (Kayleigh) Purdom, Alexis (Kendric Bailey) Purdom, Jared Sollenberger and six great-grandchildren: Bentley, Braison, Maddison, Kendric Jr., Mila and Gracelynn. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Connie Purdom Garwood of Beavercreek, niece Shelley (David) Erbaugh of Xenia, Scott Garwood of Beavercreek, Brother-in-law William ‘Billy’ (Doris) Nelson of Liverpool, England and nephew and nieces Mike, Ruth and Louisa; best friend Mike Dudley, special friend Gary Cook and his adopted grandson “the computer guru” Jonathon Lowman, along with a host of card playing buddies at the Fairborn Moose Lodge 1068 and golf playing pals he thought the world of.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Bevan Garwood.

Charles was a veteran of the United States Air Force from 1960-64. Charles retired from AT&T at the age of 47 after 25 years of service and then consulted for 9 years with them before returning to his previous career as a Realtor. He consistently won sales awards in both careers. He was a lifetime member of the Elks, Moose, Eagles, and American Legion. He was a card carrying NAR member, along with being a Mason and Antioch Shriner since 1976. In 1974, he was recognized for the National Bell Award for his life saving efforts during the Xenia Tornado. He was also recognized as the only Ohio cable repairman for Bell Telephone to travel to both the 1965 Hurricane Betsey in Louisiana and 1969 Hurricane Camille in Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420, or to Dayton VA Medical Center Attention Voluntary Service (135) 4100 West Third Street Dayton, Ohio 45428. A private viewing for the family is being held at Newcomers Funeral Home in Beavercreek followed by a full military burial with honors at 2:00pm at the VA Dayton National Cemetery on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.