A memorial service for Albert Caleb Purifoy, 82, of Temple, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Temple with Dr. Margaret Boles officiating.
Mr. Purifoy died Sunday, Jan. 7.
He was born in Anson. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and became a member of the elite 501st Airborne Division. He served in some of the most decisive battles of World War II, including in Normandy on D-Day and in the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne. He earned several military medals including the Parachute Wings with two combat jumps, European Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars and one Arrowhead, two Bronze Stars with Oak Leaf Cluster, two Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf Cluster, a Combat Infantry badge, Presidential Unit Citation with cluster, Belgium Fourggiere and the French Croix DeGueere with Palm Orange Lanyard of the Royal Netherland Army. Mr. Purifoy returned home, graduated from Southern Methodist University and began his career in the insurance industry. He came to Temple in 1960 to become manager of Robinson & Cloud Insurance Company.
He served on numerous insurance boards and committees and was instrumental in writing the current personal auto policy in the state of Texas. He earned his charter property and casualty underwriter designation in 1964 and was awarded the highest honor given by the Texas Independent Insurance Agents, the Drex G. Foreman award, in 1995. His civic contributions include president of Rotary Club and Temple Planning and Zoning Committee. Mr. Purifoy was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as both a deacon and elder until his health declined.
Survivors are his wife of 55 years, Mary Purifoy; two sons, John Purifoy of Colleyville and Mack Purifoy of Temple; a daughter, Sally Crowe of Dallas; a brother, William Purifoy of Houston; and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. today at the Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Temple, William C. Courtney Veterans
