Archie Howard Purcell, 89, of Galesburg, passed away Friday July 8, 2022 at OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born May 24, 1933 in Salem, Illinois, the son of Noah and Lenore (Smith) Purcell. After graduating high school, he attended and received his bachelor’s degree from Shurtleff College in Alton, Illinois. Archie then attended and received his master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a history teacher at Galesburg High School for over 30 years, until his retirement.
Archie married Arlene K. Loeber on August 27, 1955 in Alton. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Arlene of Galesburg; three daughters, Polly Brecht of Galesburg, Priscilla (Phil) Helton of Sellersburg, Indiana, and Paige Purcell of Monmouth, Illinois. Also surviving are fifteen grandchildren: Gretchen, Jason, Gabrielle, Danielle, Cheyenne, Emily, Holly, Sara, Mary, Rebekah, Rachel, Nate, Joey, David, and Abby; many great-grandchildren; and a niece, Linda Jones. Archie was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Peter Purcell; three sisters, Stella, Blanche, and Edith; and one brother, Raymond.
Archie was a proud Eagle Scout. He enjoyed singing tenor, giving treats to the neighborhood dogs, and talking with his friends over coffee at Perkins.
Cremation will be accorded. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg. The family would like any floral tributes in memory of Archie to be donated to an organization of your choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
