James Terrence "Terry" Purcell

James Terrence "Terry" Purcell, 75, of Midland, Texas, died on Monday, May 9, 2011, at his residence.Terry was born and educated in St. Joseph, Missouri. He continued his education at the University of Kansas in the school of Electrical Engineering, where he met Rita Rose Ficek in 1956. They were married on November 27, 1958. Terry and Rita celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day, 2008.While at the University of Kansas, Terry helped rebuild the pipe organ at St. John's Catholic Church, Lawrence, Kansas, and served as choir director for the Newman Club Choir. He loved classical music and was involved in the church choirs from the time he was in grade school. After Terry's Honorable Discharge from the Army, he and Rita joined the church choir at the St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in St. Joseph, Missouri. For a time, he was acting choir director and also helped rebuild the church organ at the St. Joseph Cathedral. He continued choir when he moved to Midland. As a member of St Ann's church choir, he also acted as choir director for a time.In St. Joseph, Terry was active in Cub Scouts. He served as Webelos den leader and Cub Master of Pack 36. He was also a Committee member of Pack 77 and member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. In Midland, he served as Webelos den leader.Terry enjoyed tent camping and teaching his sons about the outdoors. In his later years, he still enjoyed RV camping with Rita.Terry had a very early interest in photography. In high school, he apprenticed at a camera shop and learned dark room techniques. He set up the first home color dark room west of the Mississippi River. He especially enjoyed photographing landscapes. He passed on his passion for this hobby to his sons.Terry was an amateur radio operator, call letters WA0UL, since the early 1960's. He held his FCC First Class license most of his adult life. Terry helped establish one of the first ham radio repeaters in Northwest Missouri, installing the electronics and antenna in the dome of the Andrew County Courthouse in Savannah, Missouri.Terry had an interest in genealogy and mapped his family tree for several generations. He was a direct descendent of John English, a baby born on the pilgrim ship, Mayflower.He is survived by his wife, Rita Purcell of Midland,Texas; four sons, James Timothy Purcell and wife Sherry of Austin, Texas, Michael Patrick Purcell and wife Jeannette of Montgomery, Texas, William Francis Purcell of Houston, Texas, and Brian Thomas Purcell and wife Sharon of Tomball, Texas; six grandchildren, Jason Purcell, Jeremy Purcell, Janine Purcell, Colin Purcell, Patrick Purcell, and Anthony Purcell; and a sister, Mary Francis Sheldon and husband Ted of Dexter, Michigan.Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, May 13, 2011, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Midland, Texas, with Monsignor James Plagens officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, Midland, Texas. A Rosary will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at the funeral home.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland, Texas. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,