Kerwin O. Purdum

Kerwin O. Purdum, born Sept. 23, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, entered into rest Dec. 11, 2025, at the age of 84.

A son, a husband, a father/father-in-law and a grandfather, Kerwin tirelessly devoted his life to making those around him feel loved and cherished. An ex-military man (he served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1969), a scout leader, a Little League coach, a Wii bowler and a past Commander of the American Legion, Kerwin loved serving and enjoyed being served (especially food —chocolate milkshakes and homemade Chex mix). Many who knew him often commented on how pleasant he was and how the world was a better place with him and his smile in it. His goofy “dad” sense of humor and his humility defined him. In his younger days, Kerwin lit his farts on fire because he could (and for a cringeworthy laugh), but always excused himself after every belch, sneeze or encroachment he expelled. Always there to support his family, he never failed to attend all the events they participated in and was always the first to ask, “How was your day?” You could never disappoint Kerwin. If you gifted him a rock, he’d marvel on and on about what a great rock it was — and mean it. A true hero to his family and those around him, Kerwin was a gentle leader who served his wife with loyalty and taught his children well.

Kerwin is survived by his wife, Elsie, whom he met at Monarch Aluminum in 1964. They married in 1965. Two years and a day later, Todd (Katherine) entered the picture. And then in 1970 Traci (Nate) came along. He and Elsie celebrated 60 years of marriage in April, with several of those years being good ones.

He was preceded in death by many great pets, including Max, Lady, Patches and Kitty. Also waiting for him are his parents, Dr. Kerwin Purdum and the Happy Hooker/Grandma Doc (Ann for you formal folks). His in-laws, John, Marge and brother-in-law Jack Konecsni, are also part of the greeting committee, as is his granddaughter, Jenn. Kerwin never met a stranger, so the upstairs lobby will be filled with all sorts of friends and neighbors ready to pick up where they left off. This time, Kerwin’s hearing will be pristine, so he won’t have to smile and nod. Just don’t pull his finger.

Special thanks to the folks at Northridge Senior Living (Kerwin proved that at 80+ years old, you can still make great friends) and Northridge Rehabilitation and Care Center for making the last two years of Kerwin’s life great ones. It wasn’t until the last month that things started to go south. As his son-in-law put it, “Figuratively, he had the biggest heart full of love for everybody and always had a smile. Trouble was his heart couldn't keep up with all that love he put out there.”

One of the last outings Kerwin attended with his Northridge clan was a Veterans’ Day event hosted by the North Ridgeville High School for local veterans. He was over the moon with how special the event was and how honored he was to be a part of it. Two days later, he had the first of several heart attacks that benched him until his death.

Much gratitude to the Nivalis Health hospice/palliative team taking care of Elsie; without them, Kerwin wouldn’t have been able to enjoy his last two years with his family the way he did. Also, to the folks at University Hospitals at St. John and Main Campus who rallied around Kerwin and often stopped what they were doing to tell his family what a pleasure it was to care for him. And finally, to Bob Liston, who helped us take care of our dad as if he were his own father.

Kerwin, you are missed, but in your honor, we will approach life as you did …gently and gratefully.

If you’re inclined, donations can be made in Kerwin’s name to Friendship Animal Protective League (https://friendshipapl.org/) or any charity of your choice. Hug and thank a veteran.

A committal service will be held on Friday January 2, 2026 at 1:30pm in the chapel of the Westwood Abbey at Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted.  Followıng the commıttal servıce, Kerwin's family invite friends and family to a Celebration of Life from 3 to 5pm at VFW Post #9871, 6805 Lear Nagle Road, North Ridgeville.  Light refreshments and tall tales of Kerwin's 84 years will be provided.  

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