Darrell Ray Purlee

Darrell Ray Purlee, age 34 from Trenton, Illinois, passed on Saturday, February. 25th, 2023 at his home.

He was born on June 19 1988 in Omaha, Nebraska, a son of Francoise Lynell Purlee of Ramsey and Jack Ray (friend, Gayle) Pinkstaff, Jr. of Belleville.

In Darrell’s family, in addition to his parents Darrell was survived by his step-daughter Skylar Ann Purlee, who resides in New Baden; sister, Cheyenne Pinkstaff of Trenton; grandma, Betty Pinkstaff of Trenton and his stepmother Penny (Dan) Zimmermann, of Lebanon as well as aunts and uncles, Robert G. (Shelby) Taylor of Kinston, T. Rena (John) Schulz of Wataga, Illinois, and Lynda M. (Kirk) Webb of Andalusia as well as cousins. Skylar’s mother Torrie.

Darrell was predeceased by his brother Kenneth Lynn Purlee; grandfather, Jack Pinkstaff, Sr. and stepfather, Darrell Gene Herre; and maternal grandparents, Gerald and Charlotte Purlee.

Darrell was a graduate of Lebanon High School and continued his studies in Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville. He pursued his studies to become an EMT or firefighter. He completed the CDL in truck driver. He worked for ACE Grease Services in Millstadt as truck driver. Darrell was baptized and raised in the Baptist Faith of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Dozier and was an active part of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Lebanon and was a former member of Lebanon Emerald Mound Fire Department. Darrell was a fan of big trucks, specifically Peterbilts along with Harley Davidson motorcycles; he loved the his knowledge of the Vikings and enjoyed fishing or hunting, boating and drawing. But most importantly, he enjoyed being with his young daughter Skylar.

The memorial service will take place on Saturday March 25, at 2 p.m. The service will take place at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Lebanon with Pastor Todd Bean officiating.

In place in lieu of floral arrangements, flowers or other donations memorials may be given in support of an education foundation for Skylar Ann Purlee (checks made payable to Penny Zimmermann) and should be delivered at the time of the visitation or via post at Moss Funeral Home, 105 S. Main St. Trenton, IL 62293, who cares for the family.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.mossfuneralhome.com.

The article Darrell Ray Purlee appeared in The Andalusia Star-News.