PEARL CITY — Thomas Purple Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 2, 2025. Born on July 6, 1939, in Jasonville, Indiana, Thomas was a pillar of strength and kindness, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Thomas grew up in Sparland and Peoria Heights, where he developed a love for learning and a passion for country life. He attended Woodruff High School, where he excelled academically and was active in the band, playing the tuba and sousaphone. His commitment to education led him to Bradley University, where he earned a degree in History and English.
Thomas's career was marked by dedication, innovation, and a deep sense of responsibility. He began his educational career in 1961, teaching seventh and eighth-grade language arts at Spartan Senior Grade School in the Sipp-Rolling Acres School District. After a couple of years, he left to work for Bennett Publishing as a regional sales representative.
However, the desire to teach was great, and he again found himself in the classroom back at Spartan Senior Grade School while furthering his education and obtaining a master’s degree at Bradley, where he became interested in school administration. In 1967, he accepted the position of Superintendent and Principal of Riverview Grade School near Spring Bay, Illinois. At the age of 28, he was the youngest school superintendent in Illinois. He later moved on to the Pearl City School District in 1976 where he remained for nine years then to other school districts in northern Illinois as their superintendent. He gained notoriety for being an expert in school finance and saving his school districts from economic failures. In 1993, Thomas officially retired from being a school superintendent; however, with his experience in school administration and finance, he took on several intermittent positions with other school districts until 1999, when he finally decided to stay retired.
Thomas met the love of his life, Phyllis Schaffer, while they attended Woodruff High School, and they shared a beautiful marriage filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Together, they raised three children, instilling in them the values of hard work, compassion, and perseverance. Thomas was a devoted father who cherished family time, whether it was through family vacations, weekend cookouts on the farm, or simply sharing stories around the dinner table. Phyllis passed away in 2022 after 63 years of marriage.
Outside of his professional life, Thomas had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He loved country life and enjoyed living on his hobby farms, raising horses and other farm animals. He loved Civil War history and studying President Abraham Lincoln. He also loved to travel domestically and internationally. His passion for farm life was something he shared with his children, creating countless cherished memories.
During his retirement Thomas and Phyllis traveled extensively and became snowbirds and spent the winters in Florida.
Thomas was deeply involved in his community, always eager to lend a helping hand and make a difference. He was an active member of the Methodist Church in Stockton, Illinois, and other civic organizations throughout his life and where they lived.
Thomas's legacy is one of love, integrity, and unwavering dedication. He leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories, each one a testament to his character and the profound impact he had on those around him. His family and friends will forever cherish the moments they shared with him and strive to honor his memory by living out the values he embodied.
Thomas is survived by his children, sons Thomas Jr. (Tina) of Cape Coral Florida, Steven (Brenda) of Pearl City, and daughter Christina (Patrick) Southwick of Byron. He was a loving and proud grandfather to Tyler (Andrea) Volkers, Brandie (Nick) Mowell, Ashley (Andrew) Gronewold, Ryan (Kaleb) Southwick, Amy (Nick) Mullens, Jeffrey (Sara) Purple, Jacquelyn (Samuel) Entrenza, and thirteen great-grandchildren, and their exchange student Yuko Sugata from Japan. He is also survived by his youngest brother, James (Ellen) of Collegedale, TN.
The family would also like to thank the staff at Winn Prairie and Serenity Hospice for the care they so lovingly provided.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 12th 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Community Church, 10100 W. Sabin Church Rd, Pearl City, Illinois with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Highland Cemetery in Pearl City.
