John Minor Purcell, 83, passed away on January 18, 2017, at his home. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 26, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., with funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 27 both held at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Entombment will follow the service at Mound Grove Cemetery. Contributions may be sent to the Kansas City Zoo in his honor. John was born on January 15, 1934, in Uniontown, PA, to George and Helen (Turner) Purcell. After graduating high school, he received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in Journalism. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served from 1956 – 1959 as a translator for the Security Agency. He attended the Army Language School in California and learned to translate and fluently speak Mandarin. After honorable discharge, he worked for Hagar Hinge Co. in St. Louis. He later resided in Los Angeles from 1969-1976, and in Texas from 1976-1984, and worked as a sales representative for industrial sized pumps and compressors. He moved to the Independence area in 1984 and continued his career selling industrial sized pumps. Upon retirement, he was able to pursue his passion of writing as a freelance journalist, special to the KC Star. In 1997, he married his bride Teri Lea Chandler Purcell, and they spent the next 20 years enjoying each other’s company. He loved to read, write, and watch the backyard wildlife. The geese, ducks, squirrels, swans, foxes, raccoons, possums, and cats brought John and Teri hours of delight. He was known as the “Patriotic Santa,” because of his snow-white beard and love of country. He was intelligent, caring, and talented, and will be deeply missed. John was preceded in death by his parents. John is survived by his wife, Teri Lea Chandler Purcell; daughter, Patricia Huffman (husband, Van), of Atlanta, GA; adopted son, Shawn Clark; 3 grandsons, John Kyle Huffman, Justin Huffman, and Jared Huffman; and his beloved cat, Katherine Chandler Purcell, who stayed by his side and brought him peace and comfort, especially during his final days. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who helped care for John. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com.