Lyle "John" Purdum, 82, of Abilene, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Hendrick Hospice.  Military graveside services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Eula Cemetery with Sean Galligher officiating.  Services are under the direction of Bailey-Howard Funeral Home in Clyde.

John was born March 24, 1943, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Lyle Lavern Purdum and Hazel (Tourner) Purdum.  He graduated from Washburn High School in Chicago.  John married Letha Bailey on August 21, 1963, in Oak Park, Illinois, and they came to Abilene where John was serving in the US Air Force.  After being discharged, John worked as an electrician for the City of Abilene.  They moved to Eula from Abilene in 1975 and were members of the Clyde Cowboy Church in Clyde.

John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Letha Purdum of Eula; his three sons, Michael and Brandun Purdum of Abilene and Kelly Purdum of Houston; eight grandchildren, Donavan, Lee, Dillon, Kolby, Maggie, Paige, Darrian and Logan; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.