Francis Joseph “Joe” Pursifull, 91, a longtime member of IBEW Local 1439, passed away on Sept. 28 at Pike County Memorial Hospital.
Brother Pursifull, of Louisiana, Mo., was born on Sept. 15, 1931 in Rolla, Mo. to Clarence and Julia Pursifull. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Mary Joann Carter on April 12, 1958 in Keokuk, Iowa.
He worked 36 years for Union Electric/Ameren as a lineman. The last 64 years of his life has been spent in Louisiana along with his wife and family. He enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandsons and loved spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and all of the family.
He could be found boating on the Mississippi River along with his family and friends for many years. He loved telling stories about his Air Force days and about growing up with his 11 siblings. He was also an avid baseball fan, having spent many years playing the sport himself, and going to his grandchildren’s games.
Brother Pursifull is survived by wife, Mary Joann Pursifull; his four children, Steve (Janet) Pursifull, Roger (Tami) Pursifull, Scott (Wanda) Pursifull, and Tammy (Herb) Lovelace; nine grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Bill Pursifull, John Pursifull, Paul Pursifull, Tom Pursifull, Julia Jane Pursifull, Rosemary Byland and Theresa Appling.
A funeral mass was held Oct. 1 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Louisiana, followed by burial with full military honors at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Louisiana.
Memorials may be made to Pike County Home Care & Hospice, ELKS Scholarship Fund, Louisiana Boat Club Scholarship Fund or the donor’s choice.
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