Paul D. Purnell Sr. Obituary

The family of Paul D. Purnell Sr. (Hockessin, Delaware) announces his passing on October 11, 2026. Paul, born on January 19, 1960 in Milford, Delaware, is remembered by family, friends, and others who shared time and connection. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Paul D. Purnell Sr. or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service.

He was predeceased by: his parents, David Linwood Purnell Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Purnell; his son Paul D. Purnell Jr.; his siblings, David L. Purnell Jr., Jeffrey Purnell and Dorisann Purnell; his aunt Martha Mae Massey (David); and his uncles, Thomas Bacon and Hollis Smack.

He is survived by: his wife Christine DeVose Purnell of Townsend, DE; his niece Tiphane'; his nephew Michael; his daughters, Ty'Etta Davis and Tonya Davis (Randy Johnson) of Middletown, DE; his daughters-in-law, Thisa Brice-Purnell and Noreen Wilkes (Purnell); his siblings, Thomas Purnell (April) of New Castle, DE, Michael Purnell Sr. (Patricia) of Bear, DE, Gladys Quail of Seaford, DE, Pauline Wright of Seaford, DE, Betty Harmon of Seaford, DE, Matilda Ross of Laurel, DE and Thelma Jones (Apostle Michael Jones) of Millsboro, DE; his parents-in-law, Shirley DeVose of Philadelphia, PA and Phillip DeVose Sr. of Philadelphia, PA; his brother-in-law Phillip DeVose Jr. of Philadelphia, PA; his aunts and uncles, Howard Smack of Bridgeville, DE, Michael, Gregory Cannon, Tanya Smack of Bridgeville, DE and Gladys Catchlings of Dover, DE.; and his cousin Angeline Smith. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 31 nieces and nephews, a host of great nieces, nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 23rd 2026 at 9:00 AM and at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Community Church (6580 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707). A burial will be held on Friday, October 23rd 2026 at the Silverbrook Cemetery and Memorial Park.