Ronald James Purchase

Ronald James Purchase, 79, of Forest City, died peacefully, Thursday, September 21, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at the First Baptist Church, 18508 East HWY 9, Forest City, IA 50436 with Pastor Eric Weaver and Pastor Matt Rittgers officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the church.

Interment will be in First Baptist/Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Ronald James Purchase was born July 14, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Samuel and Bernice M. (Shew) Purchase. He was one of eight children. He attended school in Omaha, Nebraska and joined the Navy in 1955. He was married to Carolyn Thompson on July 14, 1955 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to this union, five children were born, Carol, Dale, Tim, Cindy and Tracy.

Ronald enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 15, 1955 he retired after 20 years of service in 1974 as a Machinist Mate 1st Class. While in the military he and his family lived in Norfolk, VA and Crystal Lake, IL. In 1992 Ron and Carolyn moved to Forest City, where he started R.J. the Handyman business.

Ronald enjoyed woodworking, fishing, mowing the yard and watching western movies. Family was very important to him and he enjoyed keeping up with all of his grandchildren’s activities and lives. Ronald was very proud of being a veteran and always proudly showed his love towards his country.

He was member of the Leland V.F.W. Post #6161 and a member of the First Baptist Church in Forest City. He enjoyed being active with the youth in the church and served on various boards and groups through the years. Ronald will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was survived by his wife, Carolyn of Forest City; children, Carol Tatum of Rapid City, SD, Dale Purchase of Forest City, Tim (Janice) Purchase of Bellevue, NE, Cindy Smith of Forest City and Tracy (Linnie) Purchase of Forest City; sixteen grandchildren and twenty eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Gary (Pinky) Purchase of Omaha, NE and Bill (Kathy) Purchase of Lavista, NE and many nieces and nephews.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Robert, Paul, Jack and Dick Purchase and sister, Virginia Parham.