Age 68, of Ypsilanti Twp., MI, formerly of Tecumseh, died February
1, 2008 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, after
a brief battle with cancer.
Gil was born December 15, 1939, in Ferndale, MI, the
son of A. Gilbert and Marguerite (Richards) Purse.
He attended Olivet College and was a graduate of Wayne
State University, Mortuary Science Class of 1960.
He was the owner of Peninsular Casket Company,
Dearborn, MI until 1971 when he purchased Dunn Funeral
Home in Tecumseh, MI and renamed it J. Gilbert Purse
Funeral Home shortly thereafter.
Gil also began a second location of J. Gilbert Purse
Funeral Home in Adrian, MI in 1989, and together with
his sons operated both funeral homes.
Gil was a former member of the Tecumseh Club, Tecumseh
Country Club, Tecumseh Rotary Club, and
Tecumseh Masonic Lodge #69 F. & A.M. Surviving are his two sons; Barry Gilbert,
and Gary Gilbert and their mother Marilee;
and his beloved dogs; Black Lab, "Shelby" & Yorkie, Maxwell.
He was preceded in death by his father, A. Gilbert in
1988, mother Marguerite in 2000
Private burial took
place in Bradenton, FL, where he loved to fish.
Memorial services took place 6:00 p.m. Wednesday
February 6, 2008 at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Tecumseh, with Rev. Lloyd Jewett officiating.
A reception with food and refreshment in honor of Gil followed the service at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral
Home, Tecumseh.
