Michael Allen Purdy

Michael Allen Purdy passed away on the evening of January 20, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas, following a year of illness. Despite his health challenges, he faced each day with determination and an unwavering zest for life.

Mike was born on March 29, 1950, in Moberly, Missouri, to (Shirley) Colleen (Barnes) Purdy and William Estill Purdy. He graduated from Highland Regional High School in Camden County, New Jersey, in 1968 and in 1970 earned an Associate in Science degree from Pierce Junior College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

On April 20, 1974, Mike married Debra Ann Wright in Tucson, Arizona. Their partnership spanned more than 50 years and was filled with love and devotion. Together, they raised two sons, Jason (Jadee) and Chad (Melanie), and were blessed with six grandchildren: granddaughters Alaina, Jocelyn, and Caroline & grandsons Quinton, CJ, and William.

Before starting his professional career, Mike picked onions, loaded bales of hay, worked for a diver, was employed by Goodyear Tire Company, and rose to the position of Store Manager at El Campo Tire Company in Tucson, AZ. He joined the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer at USP Lompoc, California in 1979 and over the next 22+ years held a variety of significant roles to include a position at the Bureau's Central Office in Washington, D.C., Superintendent of Industries in Rochester, Minnesota, and Associate Warden at both FCI Memphis, Tennessee, and FCI Texarkana, Texas. He also served as Warden at FCI Lompoc and reached the pinnacle of his professional career as Warden of FCI Three Rivers, Texas where he was selected to the Senior Executive Service. January 2002 marked the end of his distinguished career with the Bureau of Prisons when he retired from FCI Three Rivers, Texas. He came out of retirement in 2010 and served as Jail Administrator for Live Oak County until 2015.

Beyond his professional life, Mike was a licensed private pilot who found great joy in flying. He also loved camping and exploring new places with Debbie, often traveling to create cherished memories with family and friends. This included traveling around the world to visit their son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Jadee, who are both Air Force officers, and their granddaughters. Mike also spent memorable times with Chad, Melanie and grandsons from Corpus Christi, Texas. He was very proud of his family. Known as a jack-of-all-trades, he poured his energy into projects that showcased his skills and passion. He worked on cars and his airplane, took on remodeling projects in their homes, landscaped, and tackled countless handyman tasks with dedication and expertise.

In retirement, Mike settled on a private airstrip in the Arrowhead subdivision near Lagarto, Texas, with his wife Debbie, where he built a life surrounded by friends.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, his sons and daughters-in-law, his grandchildren; his sister, Madge; and numerous nieces and nephews in Missouri. He will be laid to rest in his hometown of Higbee, Missouri.

Mike was deeply loved and respected by his family, friends, and colleagues. He cherished the connections he made throughout his life and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His warm spirit and enduring strength will be greatly missed. While he sometimes had a gruff exterior, he was quick to remind everyone, "I'm smiling on the inside."

A Memorial Service will be held on March 11, 2025, at St. Pius X Mission, County Roads 1540 and 360, Sandia, TX. The Rosary will be at 1:30 p.m., followed by the Memorial Mass at 2:00 p.m.

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