Donald E. “Don” Purcell, 90, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at OSF Peoria. A family graveside memorial will take place on Thursday, March 14th at Calvary Cemetery in Ottawa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Don served as a paratrooper in the US Army. He had an unquestionable passion for road racing, wearing countless pairs of shoes running 5k, 10K, half and full marathons across the states of Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. His hard work paid off as he became a ranked masters 10K runner. His favorite race was the Oglesby Dannon 10K. He proudly coached many league-winning girls’ summer softball teams.
Don will receive a loving welcome by his wife, Judy; his son, Ron; daughter Kathy Posey Purcell; his mother and father, Bob and Rhoda; his brother Eddie; and his four-legged family Barney, Annie, and Rudy.
Don’s memory will be kept alive by his many friends and family, his brother Bobby (Spider) Purcell, his daughter Patti; his sons Brian and Clark; his grandsons Justin Duggan and Brandon Posey; his granddaughter Georgia Posey Taylor; and his great-granddaughters Bailey Posey and Katherine Taylor.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433