W. Purnell Payne, 99, of Camp Hill died Tuesday February 23, 2010 in his residence.
He was a retired music teacher and organist at the Milton Hershey School and an honorary alumnus. He also retired as organist for Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church, New Cumberland. He was a graduate of Pleasant Mount High School, Mount Pleasant Twp, PA; West Chester Teachers College; and Columbia University. Purnell was a WWII Army veteran and a leader in the 86th Infantry Division Black Hawk Band. He was a member of Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church, New Cumberland; American Legion Post 143 and VFW Post 7415, both of New Cumberland; Lowther Manor Lodge 781, F&AM, Camp Hill; Harrisburg Consistory, A.A.S.R., Supreme Council where he was Coroneted to 33rd degree on September 30, 1981 in Philadelphia; and Zembo Shrine, Harrisburg.
Purnell was born in Pleasant Mount, Mount Pleasant Twp., Wayne County, PA to the late Charles and Amanda (Blewett) Payne. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Ruth (Hertzler) Payne and Emily (Hooper) Payne, and a stepson, Dr. Joe Hooper.
He is survived by his companion, Dorothy L. Singley; a stepson, Dr. Fred Hooper of Lititz; six grandchildren, Anne, Amy, Jennifer, Joseph and Tim Hooper, and Susan Welch; two step-great grandchildren; a cousin Marguerite Henshaw; a nephew William P. Payne, II and wife Elizabeth; and many more nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday April 17, 2010 at Founders Hall of the Milton Hershey School. A visitation and luncheon will immediately follow services. Handicap parking and shuttle service will be provided.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church Organ Fund, 228 Bridge St. New Cumberland, PA 17070.
Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland has been entrusted with arrangements.
To send messages of condolence please visit www.Parthemore.com. |
