Charles Richard “Dick” Purk, 96, of Piqua, departed this life May 27, 2025 at Hospice of Dayton. He was born December 3, 1928 in Fletcher to the late John and Nora Ellen (Covault) Purk and was the youngest of eight children, who all preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by wives, Wanda Mae (Bolton) Purk in 1993; Darlene (Hall) Purk in 2013; and Marilyn (Spitale) Purk in 2016.
Richard is survived by his loving partner, Annie Thorpe; close nephews, Ed Purk and Terry Bryan; along with many more nieces and nephews.
He served proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War. During his working career, he spent time at the Piqua Paper Box, Miami Petroleum, Hartzell Propeller and the Ohio State Highway Patrol until he discovered his passion for police work. In 1963 he moved to Tipp City where he worked up through the ranks of the Tipp City Police Department before becoming the Chief of Police and retired in 1980. As a young man, he had many interests including motorcycles, race cars, riding horses where he tried bronco riding while staying out West, boats, planes as a pilot, and his lake cottage. After retirement, he lived in Sebring, Florida for 30 years before moving back home. He enjoyed spending time at the American Legion, the Eagles and made very close friends at the VFW.
A gathering of family and friends to honor his life will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home. Following the visitation, full military honors provided by the Veterans Elite Tribute Squad. Private burial will be held at Fletcher Cemetery. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Dianne of Hospice of Miami County for her exceptional care and compassion; along with all the caring staff at Hospice of Dayton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one’s favorite charity. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com