Allen White Purner

Allen White "Allie" Purner, 85, of Elkton, MD died Friday, July 14, 2006 in the Christiana Hospital, Christiana, DE. Born in North East, MD, on January 31, 1921, he was the son of the late Marshall and the late Martha Meekins Purner. He served during World War II in the Army as a Private First Class from 8/31/42 to 8/22/45. He received a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars. He was a Housing Inspector, employed by Aberdeen Proving Ground before his retirement in 1973. Mr. Purner enjoyed hunting, fishing, decoy carving, poetry, Little League, and working with the North East Water Festival, where he was the sculling champion for many years. Allie was a member of Upper Bay Museum, Ducks Unlimited and attended Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Allen had a great love and respect for nature. He spent countless hours walking the shores of the local rivers collecting wood and studying the surroundings. His love for nature was matched only by his vast knowledge of local history and lore. Allen collected photographs and writings that he would share with anyone he encountered. Allen collaborated on many local publications, using his research to help authenticate and verify information. His greatest passion was meeting and helping people. He had a vast array of friends and associates and truly never new a "stranger". His days were spent traveling around from place to place visiting and talking with people from all walks of life. He could be stern but his intentions were always good. He will be missed by many and his memory will endure forever. Predeceased by his wife, Mary Barahara Purner; Daughter, Frances Purner Wiseman-McCool; Son, Allen W. Purner, Jr. and his companion Charlotte Ann Garves. Survived by two daughters: Martha P. Carpenter of TX, Mary Ellen P. Stone of VA and one son: Steven C. Purner of Earlville, MD. Three sisters: Geneieve Patchell of Charlestown, MD; Ruth Simpson of North East, MD; Delores Coulter of Rising Sun, MD and one brother: Marshall Lloyd Purner of North East, MD. Grandchildren David Wiseman, Elkton, MD; Dale Wiseman of FL; Dana W. Reese of Elkton, MD; Jeffrey Wiseman of North East, MD; Nicole Quirk of TX; Andrew Carpenter of TX; Gregory Purner of Chesapeake City, MD; Leigh McKibben, Dover, DE; and Steven Purner of CA. Also survived by 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, several nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Friends may call Monday, July 17, 2006 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Crouch Funeral Home, 127 South Main Street, North East, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 454 Bow Street, Elkton, MD. Father Joseph Piekarski will officiate. Interment with full military honors will be Tuesday, July 18, 2006 in St. Rose Of Lima, Chesapeake City. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be sent to Upper Bay Museum, Attn: Memorial Contributions, P.O. Box 275, North East, MD 21901 Or Ducks Unlimited, Attn: Becky Paysinger, Cecil County Chapter # MD008, 1 Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120