Marion Frank Purvis
Marion Frank Purvis
1951 – 2023
Marion Frank Purvis passed away on May 24th, 2023, due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver and MDS leukemia. He was born July 31st, 1951, in Nahunta, Georgia in his grandparents’ barn. He was the child of Eva Elizabeth Smith and Dwight Linton Talmage Purvis. He grew up in Georgia and Florida riding the railroads because his father was an engineer for the Seaboard Coastline Railway. After having converted to the church he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1972 to 1974 in the Montana-Wyoming Mission.
Frank married his best friend and soul-mate, Cynthia Lucette Wettstein, on March 9th, 1984 in the Salt Lake Temple. He was blessed with 3 great and wonderful sons, Allen, Kyle and Garrett. Frank owned a couple of businesses of his own repairing televisions and stereos and eventually worked for the U.S. Postal Service until he retired. He was a fantastic football player, national champion softball player, state amateur champion bowler, avid golfer, and all-around stellar athlete. He was truly a gentle giant who loved to help others every chance he could.
Unfortunately, due to injuries he sustained from a lightning strike in 1991 he was no longer able to participate and play the sports that he enjoyed playing so much. However, he was still able to teach his sons how to play and served as their coach in numerous sports. The impact he had not only on his sons, but on the other boys on the teams, was tremendous; leading to relationships, lessons learned, and experiences that have lasted a lifetime. The youth were his passion and he loved nothing more than to help them reach their full potential. For personal hobbies he enjoyed making golf clubs, watching movies, and helping others build firearms.
He loved to travel and take vacations with his family. He loved going to Disneyland with his kids and grandkids as well as Palisades State Park and cruises to places all over the world. Above all else he enjoyed spending time with his wife and children – prioritizing them above all else. His greatest achievement was joining the church, serving multiple missions, being sealed to his wife in the temple, raising 3 outstanding sons, and helping those around him in whatever capacity he could.
Frank and Cindy were called to serve an LDS mission in the Michigan Lansing mission from 2018-2019. They loved being able to serve the Lord and His children. They cherished all the close friends they made while serving in Petoskey. He especially loved working with all of the missionaries that they were blessed to serve with.
During the past year of his illness, he was blessed with amazing nurses and doctors, especially his dear nurses at Mountain Point Medical Center, who he loved so much. They loved him too. He loved their kindness and care as he shared his life stories with them. They will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Frank is survived by his loving wife Cindy, sons Allen (Cassie), Kyle (Whitney), and Garrett (Gretchen) as well as his daughter Jennifer. He also has 3 granddaughters, Claire, Olivia, and Sophia and 3 grandsons, Talmage, Dakota, and Cameron. He also leaves behind his brother Johnnie (Janet). He is also preceded in death by his daughter Lisa. All are his best friends.
Funeral services for Marion will take place Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11:00 am in the American Fork 30th Ward Chapel, located at 270 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah, and also at an additional viewing on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church. Interment will follow in the American Fork City Cemetery.
A live stream of the funeral services will be available at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/92605434294