Bruce Purtle

BRUCE PURTLE Bruce Dean Purtle was a Christian, a family man, a firefighter, and a friend to many. He died December 17, 2023 at the age of 68, surrounded by family at his home in Barnett, Missouri. Bruce and his twin-brother, Bryan were born February 13, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri, the youngest children of Glenn and Dorothy Purtle. He became a follower of Jesus as a boy and was kept in persevering faith until his last day. At age 16, Bruce met Robin Alonzo, who became the love of his life, and in 1974 they were married. In 1973, he graduated from Westport High School. Their first son, Daniel, was born in 1977 and their second son, Bryan, was born in 1979. He was hired as a firefighter and first responder with the Kansas City Missouri Fire Department in 1977. He loved firefighting and flourished in the job for over 32 years, retiring as Captain of Pumper 17 in 2009. He was “the kind of guy you were always glad to have on the scene,” as many of his co-workers said. Testimonies from KCFD firefighters abound regarding Bruce’s work ethic, job smarts, and consistent kindness to fellow firefighters and citizens. He was a fine example of how to do the job and how to treat others while doing it. Through the years, he also served the church in various capacities - as a faithful church member, a deacon (doing building maintenance), and a youth leader and father-figure to many young people. Countless neighbors, relatives, and acquaintances have shared with the family the many ways in which he helped or cared for them in times of need. By the grace that God gave him, he left an imprint on many people that was both positive and noteworthy. He looked selflessly to the interests of others in thousands of ways over the course of his life. He was a patient man who could often be found caring for those who were otherwise overlooked; a quality listener who showed compassion to many. Bruce enjoyed getting out in the woods, hunting, relaxing with friends, singing old hymns and listening to classic rock, having good barbecue and cold sweet tea, among many other things. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed laughing, and when he really got to laughing, others got to laughing with him. As much as he loved work and enjoyed life, he loved his God and his family most, especially Robin, his best friend and bride of 49 years. Bruce Purtle was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, leader— a kind and humble man of God. Over the last few years, he said many times, “I am ready to see the Lord,” and though we mourn his death, we rejoice to know that he is still quite alive in the presence of Christ. His joy is now full and unfading, and the promise of the resurrection ensures us that we will see him again in the age to come. For these reasons we have hope amidst grief. We are “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Dorothy Purtle; and more recently, his twin brother, Bryan. He is survived by his wife, Robin; their two sons, Daniel (and wife Maria) and Bryan (and wife Audrey); his brother, Albert Purtle (and wife Rose); sister, Joyce Taylor; sister-in-law, Patty Purtle; sister-in-law, Winona Bustos (and husband Tony); brother-in-law, David Alonzo; grandchildren, Isabella (and husband Alex), Moyenna (and husband Clayton), India, Simeon, Havilah, and Jonah; great-grandchildren, Moses, Luca, and Solomon and Liliya Ruth (forthcoming); numerous nieces and nephews, and many other beloved family members whom he loved, and by whom he will be missed. A visitation will be held from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 12, 2024 at Crown Pointe Church, 5950 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. A celebration of life will begin at 4:00 pm., at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to: Crown Pointe Church or Bellicose Church. Online condolences may be left at www.kidwellgarber.com. Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Bruce Purtle

February 13, 1955 - December 17, 2023

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Bruce Purtle

February 13, 1955 - December 17, 2023

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

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