SFC (RET) Anthony M. Purdy

SFC (RET) Anthony M. Purdy, 69, of Junction City, Kansas passed away on November 2, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. 

 Tony was born on March 4, 1955, to John and Loretta (Gross) Purdy in Hays, Kansas. During his high school years, he was involved with bowling which transferred to his adult life, bowling several 300's. 

Being a soldier was all Tony ever wanted to be. He made his mother sign his enlistment documents at 17, while he was still in high school. Immediately after graduation, he was sent to Fort Ord, California for basic training. During this time, he was training for Field Artillery. 

After his first Army contract, he was discharged and decided to move back to Hays, Kansas. During this time, he rekindled his relationship with his high school sweetheart, Chris, marrying her May 6, 1978. 

Tony always wanted to be a family man. This led him to re-enlist back into the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer where he stayed until his retirement in 1997. He served his country honorably. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Christine; two daughters, Erica (James) Hunt of Iola, Kansas and Samantha Purdy of Manhattan, Kansas; two grandchildren, James Anthony Hunt and Ethan Dean Hunt both of Iola, Kansas. 

He is preceded by his parents, and siblings, Steven, Robert, Louise, and James. 

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Johnson and Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in Manhattan, Kansas.