Thomas Purnell, 72, of Bellefonte, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2022, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Tom was born on September 19, 1950, in West Chester, PA, to the late George I. Purnell, Jr. and Sara (Nickel) Purnell.
Tom was a graduate of Bellefonte High School, class of 1968. He played basketball and was a member of the Central Penn League and District 6 Baseball Champions in 1968. He graduated from Mansfield University in 1973. While in college, he played baseball and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.
For most of his adult life, Tom worked in sales. He spent several years as a sales associate at O.W. Houts in State College. When Houts closed their doors, Tom moved to Ocean City, NJ where he had a professional photography business and sold real estate. After 14 years at the beach, he returned to central PA to be closer to family. When he arrived in Centre Co, Tom worked at Clark Motors in State College selling cars for quite a few years.
Living in Moshannon, he rekindled his passion for hunting, especially archery. Tom became an avid “traditional bowman.” He loved target shooting with recurves and longbows. He participated in many 3D shoots all over the state. He was a member of Black Eagle Bowmen Archery Club in Howard, PA. In addition to shooting, Tom was constantly buying, selling, or trading recurves and longbows. He was also adept at repairing and modifying the bows as well.
He is survived by his siblings; Carolyn P Lee (Rodney) of Bellefonte, Calvin N. Purnell (Kathy) of Morrisdale, Georgette Eisenhower of Lemoyne, PA, John D. Purnell (Rita) of Bellefonte, and Stephen C. Purnell (Becky) of Pleasant Gap. He is also survived by many, many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Andy, who passed away in January 2015.
Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of Tom’s life on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 1:00 PM, at the Centre Church, 119 E. College Ave., Pleasant Gap, the former firehall. Refreshments will be served. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Thomas to Gift of Life Howie’s House by going to www.giftoflifehowieshouse.org