Joe Pursifull
Francis Joseph “Joe” Pursifull, 91, of Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Pike County Memorial Hospital. Services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Louisiana, with visitation from 9 a.m. until time of funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Father Lou Dorn, Deacon Joe Allen (nephew), and Deacon Mark Dobelmann will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Louisiana.
Joe was born on Sept.15, 1931 in Rolla, to Clarence and Julia Pursifull. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Mary Joann Carter on April 12, 1958 in Keokuk, Iowa. Joann survives along with their 4 children, Steve (Janet) Pursifull, Roger (Tami) Pursifull, Scott (Wanda) Pursifull, and Tammy (Herb) Lovelace; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Bill Pursifull, John Pursifull, Paul Pursifull, Tom Pursifull, Julia Jane Pursifull, Rosemary Byland, and Theresa Appling.
Joe worked 36 years for Union Electric/Ameren as a lineman. The last 64 years of his life have been spent in Louisiana along with his wife and family.
Joe enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandsons. Oh, the big fish stories! He loved spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all of the family. He could be found boating on the Mississippi River along with his family and friends for many years. He loved telling stories about his Air Force days and about growing up with his 11 siblings. Joe was an avid baseball fan, having spent many years playing the sport himself, and going to his grandchildren’s games.
Following his retirement, he could be found at the Boat Club many times just watching the eagles and enjoying the mighty Mississippi River.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Pursifull, Raymond Pursifull, George Pursifull, Maureen Ehret, Matthew Pursifull, Ashley Gottman, and Brittany Pursifull. Active pallbearers will be grandsons, Brandon Pursifull, Ryan Pursifull, Andrew Pursifull, Corey Lovelace, a nephew Mark Pursifull, and a son in-law Herb Lovelace.
Memorials may be made to Pike County Home Care & Hospice, Elks Scholarship Fund, Louisiana Boat Club Scholarship Fund, or donor’s choice.
Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at collierfuneral.com.
