Victor Louis Matthew Purpuree

Victor Louis Matthew Purpuree Sr., age 89, of Grants Pass, died Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at his home. Surrounded by family.

Victor was born December 13, 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Victor & Queen Purpuree. He moved to Grants Pass in 1941. In 1943 at the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy during World War II, aboard a Landing Craft (LCI) which was converted to a mortar gun ship. After the war, on September 21, 1947 in Grants Pass, he married Marirose Blanche Joli. Together they raised two children, Victor Junior Purpuree of Portland, Oregon and Rosemary Darlene Mincks of Grants Pass. He was in the military, both active and reserves for 43 years (Reserves during the Vietnam War). Victor retired from the United States Navy on December 13, 1986 as a Chief Boatswain's Mate. From 1962 to 1964, he was Chief Master at Arms Reserve Electronic Division 13-17 in Grants Pass. From 1965 to1973 he was Chief Master at Arms Reserve Surface Division 13-37 in Grants Pass and from 1976 to 1981 he was Chief Master at Arms RN MCB-18 as well as CB Battalion during the Vietnam War and an Amphibian Diver. Victor was a graduate of the United States Navy -Naval Technical Training Command, March 26, 1982. Victor is the last of his shipmates he served with aboard the LCI . After the war he got a job at the local hop yards and then as a bell-hop at the Redwood Hotel. He also started a Rabbitry Farm supplying fresh rabbit to local restaurants in Grants Pass. In 1951, Victor moved his family to Los Angeles, California and worked for the L.A. North American Aviation. In 1956, Victor moved his family back to Grants Pass, Oregon. He was employed by several linen supply companies such as; Pacific Linen, American Linen and eventually opening his own linen supply company; Victory Linen and Victory Laundry & Linen Supply. He also had his own uniform supply company, providing uniforms for Rural Metro Fire station, the Sheriff's Department, Police Department and many more. Victor retired in 1989.

Victor was a co-founder of the Josephine County Search and Rescue (for which he was honored with his name on a plaque at the new facility) and was Captain of the Main Search and Rescue Team since 1967, of which he was a member until his death; he sponsored his own rescue truck for Josephine County, Sheriff's Patrol and Red Cross Medic (blood donor, as well as many out of state disasters); Volunteer Firefighter; Life Member of Josephine County Sportsman Association; National Rifle Association; Naval Enlisted Reserve Association; Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Legion; Non-Commissioned Officers Association; Fleet Reserve Association; Crimson Circle of Good Sam's Club (Chapter President, 17 years and Medic for 11 years); Member of the Order of the Arrow (Elite Honoring Scout, Sea Scouts, Search and Rescue Scouts and Boy Scouts of America).

His hobbies included; fishing, hunting, camping, RVing and spending time with his family. He enjoyed doing all of these activities with his children and grandchildren. He also loved hearing his grandchildren sing church songs together. His favorite hymn was 'The Old Rugged Cross'. He is now singing with the angel choir in Heaven.

Survivors include his wife, Marirose Blanche Purpuree of Grants Pass; a son, Victor Junior Purpuree of Portland; a daughter, Rosemary Darlene Mincks of Grants Pass; a half-sister Challise Fiaschi of Jupiter, Florida and a half-brother, Ken Puree of Cleveland, Ohio; 9 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Victor Quincy Purpuree and Eleanor 'Queen' Palmer; sister, Amelia Florence Gloria Ivey; grandson, Stephen Matthew Isaac Mincks and a great-granddaughter, Jennifer Rose Tachell.

A viewing will be at 9:00 a.m. to service time, Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Rivers of Life Foursquare Church..

A funeral service will be at Rivers of Life Foursquare Church, 450 SW J street, Grants Pass, at 10:00 am., Saturday, October 1, 2016.

Memorial donations may be made to the Josephine County Search and Rescue or the American Red Cross.