Melvin W. Purcell, Sr.

Our dad and husband, Melvin Warren Purcell Sr, 72, born and raised in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022.

He was educated in the Coatesville Area School District where he ran Track and Field.

After high school, he went into the Marine Corps where he served in Okinawa Japan. After he was honorably discharged and returned home, he worked with the Weatherization Program in Coatesville.

He achieved his certificate of completion with the National Association Of Home Builders in Carpentry. He also attended Lionville Automotive School and with that education he became a teacher at Downingtown Industrial and Agricultural School where he taught Auto Mechanic Skills. He was employed and retired from the US Postal Service in Devon PA, soon after retirement he and his wife moved to Bear, DE.

In the late ’70s, my dad accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at the Church of Deliverance in Downingtown PA where Bishop Clarence Pooler was Pastor. He was Baptized in 1979 and soon became a Deacon at the church in 1981. As a Minister at The Church Of Deliverance, he Volunteered at the Chester County Prison and Pocopson Home.

Later Melvin and Jean became members of New Life and Christ Fellowship, where he served as an altar worker under the leadership of Dr. Dan K Williams.

My dad enjoyed talking, running his mouth his favorite place to socialize was the Watering Hole, (WAWA) where he would catch up with everyone and on everything.

He enjoyed watching sports and talking and arguing about whatever game and players with his Nephew Darren. He loved to listen to music and he loved to vacation and travel with his family. Although my dad was silly and loved to make people laugh, he was also a great listener and spiritual advisor.

He had a special bond with his Grandkids Don`Jheā and Donald that he loved more than anyone could ever imagine, you couldn’t tell him they were not his birth children. 

Our dad is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jean Purcell of Downingtown, PA; daughter, Mia Kailee Purcell of Downingtown, PA; son, Melvin Warren Purcell, Jr. of Bethlehem, PA; and 2 grandchildren who he raised as his own, Don`Jheā Kailee Kenner and Donald Clarence Kenner, Jr. both of Downingtown, PA.

He is also survived by his twin sisters; Shirley and Sharon Purcell both of VA; brother. Leonard Morris of Coatesville; 2 special nephews, Jamal Purcell of Collingsdale, PA and Darren Morris of Coatesville; 2 great nieces, Asia and Germani Morris of Coatesville and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and tons of friends.

Our dad was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Lucille Purcell-Morris, and his brother Brien Keith Morris, both of Coatesville. 

The family will hold a Memorial Tribute on Zoom at 10 AM on Saturday, January 15, 2022.

Meeting ID: 862 4865 0291

Passcode: Melvin

Condolences may be shared at the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are encouraged to light a candle in his memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin W. Purcell, Sr., please visit our floral store.