Frank Purling, Jr., 75 of Morganville, Kansas, died November 22, 2023 at the Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas. He was born on August 7, 1948 in Clay Center, Kansas, the son of Frank Purling, Sr. and Darlene Mae Langley
Frank was raised in Clay Center and graduated with the Class of 1966 from CCCHS. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam war. Frank returned to Clay Center and later moved to Manhattan, Kansas and worked in construction for many years. In the 1990’s, he moved to Colorado and started ranching. Frank returned to the Clay Center area and continued ranching. He was a member of Cowboys for Christ and a past member of the American Legion. As a veteran himself, Frank loved the United States and believed wholeheartedly in the promise of freedom. Led by his Christian faith in all aspects of life, Frank was honorable, generous, and kind. Frank loved country music; a good laugh; authentic company; fresh, open air; the sunrise, sunset and a good honest day’s work in between. Frank loved animals, seeing them as a blessing and as companions. Frank’s ability to understand and communicate with animals was a gift and, in this gift, he found his calling. Frank loved life and had the courage to live his life to its fullest. Frank was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Barb Wilson.
He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer and husband Michael Baker of Prairie Village, Kansas and Jill Burgess of Lenexa, Kansas; sister, Linda and husband Sam Gibbs of Clay Center, Kansas; brother, Tom Purling of Clay Center, Kansas; 4 Grandchildren and 1 Great-grandson.
Memorial services for Frank Purling, Jr. will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Clay Center, Kansas.
Visitation will be held from 3-7PM on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, Kansas.
Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cowboys for Christ or the Clay County Fair Board and can be sent in care of the funeral home.
