Claude Clarence Purvis' Obituary
Claude C. Purvis, age 90, owner of Purvis Construction, passed away at Heartwood Nursing Home on December 23, 2005.Claude was born on November 30, 1915, in the town of Sherlock, Thurston County, to John Anthony and Grace Lovell Purvis. He attended school through the 9th grade, leaving school to help support his family. Claude continued his schooling through Â"self-teachingÂ" and graduated from the Â"School of Hard Knocks.Â" As a young man he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) then joined the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Sergeant. It was during this time that he married his wife of 33 years, Signe L. Johnson of Graham. In 1946 he opened and operated Purvis Automotive Service until 1950, when he joined his brothers Jim and John at Construction Engineers and Contractors, owned by James Purvis. After his brother JamesÂ' death in 1955, he opened his own construction company, known as Claude C. Purvis Co. He was a well known general contractor thoughout Washington and Oregon. If the color was purple it was known to be Purvis!Claude was an active member of the community. He was the past President of the Associated General Contractors of America, Tacoma Chapter A.G.C., served on the Board of Directors at the South End BoyÂ's Club, a member of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee Carpenters Local 470. He was also a life member of the Elks Lodge No. 174 as well as the Eagles Aeries No. 3 for 51 years.An avid gardener, Claude will be remembered for his beautifully landscaped garden. He could often be found outside in the yard at any time of the year. He also enjoyed Ballroom and Square dancing groups.He is survived by his son Thomas Clayton Purvis and granddaughter Kimberley Michelle Greger, wife Alice Jones Purvis of 30 years, three stepchildren, 16 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, 2 nieces and a nephew.Claude was preceded in death by his parents, twin brothers John Edward and James William Purvis and his wife Signe Johnson Purvis.Memorial services for Claude C. Purvis will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, January 2, in the Mountain View Garden Chapel. A reception for family and friends will be held at the Lakewood Elks Lodge No. 2388.Memorial donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound Administrative Service Center in ClaudeÂ's name at 1501 Pacific Avenue, Ste 301, Tacoma, Washington 98402. The family would like to extend a special thank you to ClaudeÂ's loving granddaughter, Denyce Eaton, for all her care.
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