Leslie E. Purdy, a retired school administrator, 82, of Olney died Sunday, April 13, 2003 at his residence after a short illness.  Burial with full military rites in Haven Hill Cemetery in Olney.

Mr. Purdy was born on January 28, 1921 in Makanda, the son of Edgar H. and Minnie Kate (Wright) Purdy. He married Julia Mery of Trenton on August 15, 1946 and she survives.

He received his Bachelor's Degree in 1947 from McKendree College in Lebanon. He received his Master's Degree in 1950 from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. In 1924, Mr. Purdy was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as an infantry man in the Pacific Theater during World War II until 1945. He atttained the rank of Master Sergeant.  Mr. Purdy began his teaching career in Allendale shortly before the beginning of WW II.

Mr. Purdy was hired as Superintendent of Schools at East Richland Community Unit #1 in Olney and remained in that position until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Olney. He was also a 50-year-plus member of the American Legion.

Mr. Purdy is survived by his wife, Julia Purdy of Olney; a son, Steve Purdy and his wife, Arlene of Tucson, Ariz.; a daughter, Kate Purdy Shultz and her husband, Nick of Coronado, Calif.; two sisters, Syble Leffingwell  and Gladys Ruse; a brother, Dr. Paul Purdy; three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)