Thomas Michael Purinton, 78, of Shawnee, passed away April 4, 2023 at KU Medical Center.
He was born February 2, 1945 to Clarence and Barnice (Nolan) Purinton and was a lifelong resident of Kansas. He was the fourth of seven children.
Tom graduated from Bishop Miege High School in 1963. After graduation, he worked for Milgram Food Stores until joining the Navy. Tom served in the US Naval Air Reserves from 1965-71 and was on active duty aboard the USS Shangri La from 1966-68. He was stationed in Mayport, Florida and spent his shipboard time cruising the Mediterranean on call for Vietnam Duty.
He started working for ATT-Southwestern Bell Telephone in March 1969 and retired from SBC-Southwestern Bell Telephone March 2000 after working 31 years in a variety of jobs. Tom would have celebrated 38 years of sobriety on May 5, 2023, an accomplishment of which he gave all the credit to the Lord for sustaining him all these years. He married Teresa Davis Gillette on November 28, 1986 at Waimea Falls, Hawaii.
While Tom came to know the Lord Jesus later in life he spent all his remaining years serving in various capacities at church and doing work projects on mission trips to various places all over the world. He loved taking gifts to encourage the missionaries and took great joy in shopping for things to take on those trips. Tom was a faithful member of Word of Grace Fellowship for 20 years and served with his wife, Teresa, in the Greeter ministry there for 19 years.
He is survived by his wife of 37 Years, Teresa, two sons, Mark and Sam Purinton, a daughter, Mary (Mike) Chance, seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren, sisters, Barbara (Farley) Hill, Joan Donohue, Jean (Bob) Hanna and brother, Daniel (Louisa) Purinton plus many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, William and James "Pat'' Purinton, granddaughter, Samantha Purinton and great grandson, Brayson Marconette.
Visitation will be held at Porter Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 5-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, KS Memorial services will be held at Porter Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 9:00 AM. Burial will be at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family suggests gifts to Word of Grace Fellowship, Raytown, MO.