Herman A. (Ted) Puryear, 93, one of the last remaining members of the “Greatest Generation,” has passed on. Herman A. Puryear was born in Driftwood on September 27, 1916. The Lord called him home on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010.
On October 28, 1942, Ted and Lois Eckols were married. Three days later, Ted began service to his country as a member of the 96th Infantry Division (U.S. Army), the “Deadeyes.” The “Deadeyes” led the charge in the battles of Leyte and Okinawa. Ted earned a Bronze Star medal for extraordinary heroism in ground combat as a machine gunner during the Battle of Okinawa. He returned home on December 25, 1945.
He spent his working years as a union carpenter and a loyal lifelong member of Local 1266. Ted took great pride in his work and was highly regarded for the care and precision with which he carried it out.
Brothers Gordon, Grady and Garland preceded him in death.
Lois, his extremely loving and devoted wife of 67 years, and four children survive Ted: Virginia, Jack and wife Carolyn, David and Charles. Eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews also survive “Paw-Paw”.
The family received friends April 7, at Harrell Funeral Home in Austin. Funeral services were April 8 at Driftwood Methodist Church in Driftwood. Burial followed at Driftwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Gary Fleming, Kenneth Robbins, Jummy Puryear, Michael Raven, James Fleming and Geoffrey Puryear.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Driftwood Methodist Church.
