Orbin Leo Purcell

Orbin Leo Purcell of Clyde, known by the CB handle “Cowboy”, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at the age of 77.

Leo, as he was known to family and friends, was born July 24, 1944 in Lamesa, Texas to Charlie Orbin and Ruby Ila (Sadler) Purcell. He was a 1962 graduate of Wylie High School and was known for going to state in the 100 meter dash.  He worked as a truck driver and was a Mason.

The family shared the following thoughts…

It’s really hard to explain all the emotions you feel when a parent dies. 

In our case it almost doesn’t seem real because we have literally been told through most of life that Dad was going to die and he never did. This time we could see it coming and he tried to prepare us but it still didn’t seem like it would actually happen. Our Dad went out the way he lived his entire life, his way. 

He refused all pains meds at 4 am Monday, he said we’re done with that, don’t ask me anymore,  we’re not looking back and I’m moving forward. He wanted to know exactly what was going on and happening to him. He was tough beyond belief and hard-headed to no end. The Lord gave him 9 lives or more and he lived every one of them to the fullest. 

We have memories and stories that are hard to believe because they don’t make men like our Dad anymore. From riding horses and pack mules in the mountains and some hard core camping; coon hunting with dogs in the middle of the night praying to God to keep up, to chicken fights galore and, if asked, they were show birds, lol.  He was onery, quick tempered, hard working, funny, fun, an excellent trapper/hunter, an unforgettable dancer, the least judge mental person ever, forgiving to no end and loving, especially the older he got. 

He never did anything half way. He loved God, his kids and those freaking roosters possibly the same. We are relieved and our hearts rejoice to know our Dad for once is cancer and pain free. He truly was one of a kind and we loved him for all that he was. 

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Leora K Purcell; and a sister, Ila Mae Naron.

He is survived by his children, Charlie Purcell and wife, Christine, of Tuscola, Virginia Simmons and husband, Zane, of Clyde, and Levi Purcell of Clyde; his girlfriend, Mary Gray; his sister, Jerene Holt and husband, Ted, of Buffalo Gap; and countless grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces and nephews and family members that he loved.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, September 8, 2021 at Parker-Jacobs Funeral Home in Baird.  Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Belle Plaine Cemetery Pavilion.

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