Theodore "Ted" G. Purpus, 84, 208 N. Garfield St., Minster, died at 12:45 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

He was born Dec. 9, 1922, in New Bremen, to Leo E. and Pearl Cleveland Purpus. His foster parents, Jeff and Ruth Bitler, survive in Minster. On April 12, 1947, he married Norma Woehrmyer Purpus, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Don, Asheville, N.C., and Jay (Renee), Minster; a daughter, Nancy (Tim) Jay, Minster; a brother, Thomas, Anderson, Ind.; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a daughter, Janet Purpus Belcher; and two sisters, Anne Desch Howell and Antoinette Kehoe.

He was manager of the special products department at Minster Machine for 37 years. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was a New Bremen High School graduate and attended Ohio State University. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, and served as mayor, councilor and on the Board of Public Affairs for the village of Minster. He also was the first president of the Stallo Library Board, past president of Minster Kiwanis and secretary/treasurer of the Minster Athletic Club. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Civic Association, American Legion Post 387, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6432, St. Augustine Orphans Society and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aries 1391, all of Minster.

Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Friday at the church, the Revs. Rick Nieberding and Louis Schmit officiating. Burial is at the church cemetery with military honors conducted by the Minster Firing Squad.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-9:30 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Contributions can be made to the Minster Area Life Squad or the Janet Purpus Scholarship Fund.

Condolences can be made at www.hogenkampfh.com.