Donald F. Pursel, Sr.

Donald F. Pursel, Sr., age 74, 3014 Bloom Road, Danville, died suddenly at his home at 6:27 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2011.

Born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Columbia County on November 4, 1936, he was a son of the late Floyd G. and Frances (English) Pursel. A 1955 graduate of Bloomsburg High School, he resided in the Bloomsburg area his entire life.

Don worked for PennDot as a heavy machine operator for 25 years, retiring in 1996. During those years he worked all over the area; including Montour, Hemlock and Madison Townships.

He was a member of Christ United Evangelical Lutheran Church, Catawissa. He coached little league for 12 years, and was a one-time president of the organization.

Lovingly called “Pop” by his grandchildren; Don enjoyed hunting, camping and being outdoors. He loved his dogs, but his whole heart belonged to his family.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Levan; and by two brothers, Wayne Pursel and Scott Devine.

Surviving is his wife, the former Joan "Joanie" Remick, with whom he celebrated 56 years of marriage on Feb. 12, 2011; five children: Joni N., wife of Thomas Henderson, Elizabethtown; Donald F. "Bo" Pursel, Jr., companion Terri Fisher, Bloomsburg; Gloria J., wife of Robert "Bob" Burris, Bloomsburg; Melody Jo, wife of Greg Shields, Quakertown; and Julie, wife of Louis Ney, Berwick; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; five siblings: Nola Crone, Bloomsburg; Ethel Stine, Bloomsburg; Marjorie, wife of Jack Dawson, Bloomsburg; Dale Pursel, wife Patricia, Catawissa and Ronald Pursel, Reading.

A memorial service will be held on Friday at 7 p.m. in the Christ United Evangelical Lutheran Church, 116 Church St., Catawissa, with his pastor, Rev. Gretchen M. Johanson officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Friends are invited to call at the church from 5-7 p.m. Friday.

The family will provide flowers. Memorials may be sent to the Animal Resource Center c/o Linda Bird, 301-A Boone Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.