David Gareth Purdon, Jr., 76, Orange

David Gareth Purdon, Jr., 76, of Orange passed away on July 25, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.

A Memorial Gathering will be 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, with Military Honors at 3:30 p.m.

Born in Beaumont, Texas, on July 22, 1947, he was the son of David Gareth Purdon, Sr. and Nancy (Allen) Purdon. David proudly served his country in the United States Army from January 25, 1967, to January 24, 1969, fighting in the Vietnam War as a machine gunner in infantry and later a helicopter door gunner.

In his time in the military, David earned a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, three Air Metals, and many others. After being honorably discharged from the military, he went on to work in the electrical field for IBEW Local #479 in Beaumont, a Houston based company, and in the electrical and robotics departments of General Motors UAW #267 in Arlington, where he eventually retired.

His job took him all over the world, from Kuwait to Canada, St. Croix, and Jamaica. In his free time, he enjoyed going fishing, dancing his heart out, swimming with his grandchildren, and working on and restoring cars with his son, Michael. David loved his family, friends, and his dog Sam very much, and would often spend as much time with them as he could.

He was very involved with VFW Post #2775 in Orange, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 42 in Grand Prairie, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1013 in Grand Prairie. David was a wonderful man with a kind soul, and he will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Nancy Purdon; son, Michael Purdon; and sisters, Lisa Purdon and Veva Hollier.

He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Purdon and mother, Susie Pomeroy Purdon; daughter, Melissa Purdon; grandchildren, Alex Purdon, Michaela Purdon, Evan Purdon, Mason Stone, and Max Stone; great-granddaughter, Bridgette Stone; sister, Celia Crowe; and brother, Dana Purdon; as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.