Byron Richard Purdy Sr., 82, of Mears, died unexpectedly Friday, June 26, 2026, due to an accident. He was born April 14, 1944, in Hart.
Byron retired as a union lineman, working many years on transmission lines. In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf and baseball, hunting and riding his moped. He also looked forward to hanging with the girls from the gas station. Most of all, Byron loved spending time with his grandchildren, cherishing every moment.
Byron is survived by: his children, Daryl (Sherry) Bozeman, Kelly Purdy, Byron (Erin) Purdy, Crystal (Matt Duelly) Scheel, and Lisa Shaffer; 15 grandchildren, James, Blake, Carrie, Lacy, Ashley, Kayla, Logan, Joshua, Samantha, Grayson, Connor, Anthony, Alyssa, Kelsey and Kendra; 8 great-grandchildren, D’Anna, Peighton, Brooklyn, Bryson, Braxton, Sylas, Maliki and Paisley; his brother, David; 2 sisters, Elinora and Ruthann.
Byron was preceded in death by: his wife, Winnie Purdy; his mom and dad, Etheleen and Ken Raider; his father, Eugene Purdy; and 10 siblings, May, Ed, Bill, Beverly, Terry, Gary, Joyce, Clarence, Cecil and Don.
A celebration of Byron’s life will be held from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2026, at John Gurney Park Hall, 111 Eastern Park Road, Hart.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

