Rufus A. Purdue, Jr

Bloutsville...Rufus Purdue, Jr., 77, died Saturday, January 3, 2009 after a long battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully at his home in rural Losantville, surrounded by his family.He was born September 22, 1931 in Middletown. His parents were Rufus A. Purdue Sr., and Melissa Hite Purdue. He married his wife, the former Cathy Rice, forty four years ago. He lived his entire life in Middletown until moving in 1989 with his wife to a log home he and his family built near Bloutsville.Rufus was very proud to be a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, joining when he was only 16 years old. he was a Korean War veteran and was active in the Veterans of Underage Military Service serving as Indiana Commander of the national organization. He was a member of the American Legion Post 216 and Dog Seven Association.During his life in Middletown, he was a member of the Lions Club and worked with Explorer Scouting. He retired from the Middletown Fire Department after 25 years and was an active member of the Losantville Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees.He was called Junior by his family and ""Rabbit"" by many old friends.He worked for the US Postal service for 28 years and was a rural carrier in Middletown and Mooreland before he retired in 1994. He also retired from the Muncie Star after 15 years. of service.He was a friend and mentor to many young people during his life and many thought of him as a second father, coming to him for sound advice. He enriched the lives of many.He was preceded in death by his parents, a son: Curtis Purdue, 1 brother: John Purdue, 1 sister: Phyllis Allen and a great granddaughter: Lauren Brown.He is survived by his wife Cathy of Blountsville, children: Cay (Redric) Robertson, Colleen (Dennis) Schlabach and Celeste (Stacy Hoyle) Purdue; grandchildren: Ryan (Sarah) Brown, Bridget Purdue, Ian Schlabach, Brooke (Dylan) Lohrey, Brandon Thomas, Angie Robertson, and Dusty Robertson. Great grandchildren: Trinity Noble, Lillian Brown, Mackenzee Lohrey, Breanna and Michael Richardson, Corina Bailey and Kaidin Thomas, 1 sister: Evelyn Thompson of Greenfield and several nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown with Rev. Desire Wuertemberger officiating.Burial will follow at Miller Cemtery.Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-8 PM.Memorials may be made to the Losantville United Methodist Church, Box 96, Losantville, IN 47354 and the Ball Memorial Hospice, 2401 University Ave., Muncie, IN 47303.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.com