Melvin E. Purscell

Melvin Eugene Purscell was an unsung Vietnam War hero, whose life was cut short by Agent Orange. He was a mechanic at John Deere for many years, and later drove truck locally and over-the-road. He enjoyed many happy years of riding, custom building and restoring Harley’s and even an old Indian. He was a top state-ranked motocross racer when he was young, and frequent hobby stock racer at the Iowa Fairgrounds in his 40’s. His motocross and stock car racing number was 58.

Mr. Purscell was born on November 6, 1951, in Des Moines, son of Joseph and Luella Purscell. He is survived by his wife, Carol, his mother who lives in Florida, his sister, Mary Jo Pezzi and brother, Richard Purscell of Florida, and four older brothers, Jim Purscell of Arkansas, Wayne, Jerry and Larry Purscell, all of Des Moines. He is also survived by his four children, Joe Purscell of Waukee, Julie Gilkey, Karen Purscell and Christina Purscell, all of Des Moines, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.

He joined the Army and fought in Vietnam at age 19. He drove “The Mighty Mini” and other portable missile-launching trucks. That is where he acquired a strong faith in God that continued over the years. He died on May 23, 2017. He was 65.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 25, 2017, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 26, 2017, also at Hamilton’s, and will conclude with burial at Winterset Cemetery, Winterset, Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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