Dwight Leroy Purviance

Dwight Leroy Purviance, 88, of Poplar Bluff, MO, passed March 10th at his home. He was born on 2-28-38 in Decatur, IL to Dwight and Mary (Cline) Purviance. He graduated from Mt. Pulaski High School in 1956 and married Barbara Donnelly in 1957. They had two sons, Nathan (Carol) and Jonathan (Andrea), two grandchildren, Jason and Stacy, and five great grandchildren.

Dwight married Janice Vaughn Gessaman in 1985 and inherited three more children, Kimberly (Mark), Kraig (Elizabeth), and Von (Lisa), five grandchildren, Adam, Roman, Rhiannon, Heather, and Morgan, and eleven great grandchildren.

Dwight was head millwright at Firestone Tire Company in Decatur and retired in 2001 after 37 years. He and Janice moved from Illinois to Arizona before settling in Missouri.

Dwight enjoyed traveling, being with family, and discussing all things involving hunting and guns. He attended Twin Springs Baptist Church and was a proud member of the NRA.

Dwight is also survived by his brother Dean Purviance and sister Barbara Brown.

Graveside service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026, at Dunning Cemetery.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Dwight Leroy Purviance. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com