Thomas Richard Purdom

Memorial services for Thomas Richard Purdom, 61, Eudora, will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary Eudora Chapel.Mr. Purdom died Thursday, May 29, 2008, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.He was born May 4, 1947, in Albany, Calif., the son of Brooks E. and Lois Marguerite Ketchum Purdom. He graduated from Northeast Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Mr. Purdom served in the Merchant Marine during the Vietnam War and delivered supplies to troops. He was a photojournalist and worked for many newspapers. He won several Associated Press awards for his work and an award from former President George Bush for his design of a medal honoring troops that returned home to Missouri after Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Purdom was a member of the National Rifle Association and Delaware Indian Nation.Survivors include a daughter, Alicia Mary Jane Purdom, St. Louis; a sister, Marguerite Dawn “Margie” Miller, Parkville, Mo.; and two brothers, Brooks M., Italy, and Patrick W.D., New Mexico.The family suggests memorials to a charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of the mortuary.Online condolences may be sent at www.warrenmcelwain.com, subject: Purdom.