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LORDSTOWN -- Kenneth A. Purnell, 83, of Lordstown, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning, Nov. 28, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
He was born Oct. 26, 1940, in Grier City, Pa., the son of Roland A. and Martha M. Volasky Purnell.
Ken was a 1958 graduate of Newton Falls High School. He then attended Kent State University, where he achieved a Bachelor of Education degree.
He worked as a history teacher in the Bristol school district for several years. He then went on to work as a security officer for General Motors Corp. Lordstown Complex for 27 years, retiring in 1993.
After his retirement, Ken worked as the locker room manager for the Trumbull Country Club in Warren, from 1994 to 2007.
He married the former Karen S. Platt on May 28, 1966. They shared 57 years of marriage and many wonderful memories together. She survives him.
Ken was a longtime member of the Lordstown Christian Church, where he served as a deacon. He was also a member of the original council when Lordstown was declared a village, and he served as a member of the Lordstown Board of Education for eight years. In addition, Ken served his community as an assistant basketball coach.
He was a former volunteer with the Lordstown Fire Department and a former member of the Lions Club.
He enjoyed playing darts and horseshoes at the VFW in Newton Falls, but his greatest joy was his grandchildren, especially attending all of their sporting events and cheering them on.
Besides his wife, Ken is survived by four children, Roland (Shawna) Purnell of Austintown, Pamela (Michael) Fultz of North Jackson, Penny (David) Durig of Lordstown and Patricia Purnell of Lordstown. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Megan, Emily, Julia, David Jr., Dillon, Alyssa, Mary, Lindsey and Evan; and two great-grandsons, Kolston and Krimson.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, with the Rev. Norman Witthuhn officiating. Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, at the funeral home.
He will be laid to rest in the Lordstown Cemetery.
This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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