Kendall "Joe" Purdom

At home surrounded by his loving family, Kendall “Joe” Purdom walked into the welcoming arms of his Lord and Savior on September 29, 2022 at the age of 79. Kendall “Joe” Purdom was born June 28, 1943 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to the late Harvey and Cleta (Wagoner) Purdom. After graduation from Warner High School, Joe served Honorably in U. S. Navy from 1961-1967. Kendall Joe Purdom entered the U.S. Navy on September 28, 1961 as a Boatswain’s Mate Third Class on the USS Henry W. Tucker. During his time in service, Joe spent several months with the seventh fleet off the coast of Vietnam. The Henry W. Tucker provided gun-fire support for friendly forces in Vietnam, firing more than 5000 rounds from her various guns. She participated in search and rescue operations recovering eight Navy and Air Force pilots after they were downed while flying combat missions. She refueled more than 80 helicopters while on SAR assignments. Known as "Tuck's Tavern" to the helicopter pilots, she became the first destroyer on 6 November to refuel an in-flight helicopter at night. Joe represented the fighting spirit of the Navy and was proud to serve with those Veterans who have gone before him, to defend freedom and democracy around the world. Joe married the love of his life, Dora Mae Walters, July 8, 1968 in Salina, Kansas. They made their home in Muskogee, Oklahoma where they were blessed with a large, loving family of 6 children who they raised with patience, discipline, and respect. After traveling the world for 51 years as a Pipeline Engineer and Inspector from 1968-2019, Joe retired to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Relaxing on his porch, enjoying a peaceful day, visiting with family and friends, and those special Sunday dinners with his wife, children, and grandchildren, while pets ran around in the yard became his comfort. If he wasn’t relaxing, Joe worked around on his tractors, rode his ATV’s, or tinkered with equipment he found at sales with his brother and partner in crime, Keith Purdom. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dora, of their home. Three sons; Alden, Mitchael, and Derrick (Nicole) Purdom all of Muskogee, OK. Three Daughters; Kendra Purdom, Iris Purdom, and Wanda Stout all of Muskogee, OK. Eleven grandchildren; Warren Purdom, Alicia Morales, Joseph Purdom, Savanna Smith, Syris Seagle, Kassandra (Harrison) Cunningham, Raylee and Kendli Purdom, Alexis, Kendell, and Harley Purdom and 2 great-grandchildren; Athena Smith and Sanford Cunningham. His brother and best friend, Keith (Helen) Purdom and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; Harvey and Cleta Purdom, his brother; Kenneth Purdom, and his sisters; Ernice Osborn and Carol Walker. Above all, Joe was a loving husband, daddy, papa, uncle, brother, and friend. He will be missed greatly by all. Joe sure knew how to live. A celebration of Joe’s life will be 10AM, Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at Keefeton Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Danny Barks officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with Scott Evans, Jacob Goins, Josh Norred, Stephen Plunkett, Timothy Purdom and JC Richardson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph "Joe" Skylar Purdom, Gary Osborn, David Osborn, Jeff Osborn, Darryl Purdom, Charlie Purdom, Brian Purdom, Dennis Walker, Ronnie Walker, Carl Brown and Chad Hudson.

Kendall "Joe" Purdom

June 28, 1943 - September 29, 2022