Ben Compton Purcell, age 76, died Friday, June 8, 2012 in Tucson, Arizona. Services will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 14, 2012 in Joe E. Jones Memorial Chapel with Dr. Craig Darter officiating . Burial will be in Childress Cemetery.

No visitation is scheduled.

Ben Compton was born August 24, 1935 in Childress to William (Bill) and Lula Elizabeth (Bess) Purcell. After graduating from Childress High, Ben Joined the U.S Army and served for seven years which included a tour during the Korean War. He had a 35 year career as a Civil Servant that took him and his family to Panama, Japan, Germany and Vietnam as well as various assignments throughout the United States. Ben never truly retired from work; after leaving the Civil Service, he owned and operated several businesses ranging from a successful dog boarding and grooming facility (now owned by his daughter, Becky) to breeding and raising Emu's. His latest venture was a gun and clock shop in Sierra Vista, Arizona which he managed until his final days.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed discussing politics and firearms. His family will always remember Ben for his raised eyebrow look, his knowledge of WWII history, his love for guns, and his honesty. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Irby Kay Purcell; sibling, Lynn L. Durham; and pioneer grandparents, Ben Stevenson and Mineola Wood Purcell and William Iley and Myrtle Elenor Compton.

Survivors: Wife - Eva Jean Purcell Daughter - Julie Gafford Son - Ben W.A. Purcell Daughter - Laura L. Hood Daughter - Becky D. Garcia-Estrada Son - William S. Purcell Sister - Billye B. Adams Sister - Dana K. Morris Sixteen Grandchildren Sixteen Great grandchildren Numerous Nieces and Nephews