Thomas John Purdie

Thomas John Purdie died peacefully surrounded by family on May 5, 2024, at the age of 83.  Thomas was the dearly beloved husband of almost 62 years to Agnes (Paff) Purdie.  He was the father of two sons, Scott and John Purdie (Cherri), five grandchildren Kristen Betzner (Aaron), Lucas, Thomas, Joseph and Samuel Purdie and three great grandchildren, Mason, Reese and Myles Betzner.

Thomas was born June 7, 1940, in Aliquippa Pennsylvania to parents James A. and Margaret “Nell” (Haggarty) Purdie (both deceased.)   Thomas had two brothers Ronald (deceased) and Robert Purdie.  Thomas was a 1962 graduate of Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA.

Thomas met the woman that would become his wife (Agnes Paff) when he was 14 years old.  He was so shy that she had to almost step in front of him to get him to speak with her.  After he did, they became inseparable and spent a long and fruitful life together.   They were married on June 9, 1962, at Sewickley Presbyterian Church (Sewickley, PA.)  

Thomas spent his life as a salesman, first in retail shoes for Higbee’s Department store in Cleveland, OH and later at L.S. Ayres in Indianapolis, IN.  He finished his career selling office equipment for IKON Equipment in Indianapolis, where he was consistently at the top in sales across the company.

Thomas had a lifelong love of fish – both going fishing and keeping aquarium fish.  He was the original Indianapolis Colts fan, with season tickets from their first game in Indianapolis until late in life.

Thomas was an ever optimistic and kindhearted man who never met a stranger and rarely had a bad word for or about anyone.  He was an example of unfailing Christ-like love to his family and friends and will be deeply missed.  Heaven is a richer place now that Thomas is in residence!

A memorial service will be held to remember Thomas at Southport Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis on Saturday May 18^th with visitation from 11 am until noon, with service at noon followed by a lunch, also at the church.