Employees at the Harrisonville Price Chopper admit things are different this week. One lamented, “It just seems so empty.”
The emptiness comes from the news Wally Purevich has died. Purevich had worked at the front of the store for several years. Regardless of the weather – hot, cold, rainy, snowy, he was there for his assigned shifts every week even though he was 85 years old.
One customer lamented to a clerk Tuesday morning, “It just seems so unbelievable. Wally was always so happy. I knew when I came in, no matter how my day was going, he would be here with a smile on his face and some nice things to say.”
Purevich died Oct. 14 as the result of a traffic crash Oct. 8.
Just before Christmas in 2018, Purevich was honored by the store, as well as Crown Care Center and Serenity Care Hospice. He was presented balloons and a certificate which read, “Your positive presence and upbeat demeanor have spread joy to so many in this community. Your work ethic and friendly attitude are noticed by everyone you encounter. The world is a better place because of you.”
A public visitation will be tomorrow at the Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton, followed by a private family service with burial in the Calhoun Cemetery in Calhoun.
The accident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. Oct. 8 on M-7 Highway, north of NW 1501 Road in Henry County.
According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Purevich was driving a southbound 2011 Honda Roadsmith. When he slowed to make a turn, a southbound 2013 Chrysler 200, driven by Preston J. Sinor,
21, Sedalia, struck the Honda from behind.
The patrol said Purevich was thrown off the vehicle and sustained several injuries. He was transported by Life Flight to Research Medical Center, Kansas City. According to the report, Sinor was uninjured. His car sustained moderate damage and the Honda was totaled.
According to Sgt. Andy Bell, a spokesman for the highway patrol, no charges have been filed in the case so far. He said the major crash investigation team is investigating. He had no timetable for when the investigation might be completed or what charges could be made.
Walter R. Purevich, Jr.,
March 4, 1936 – Oct. 15, 2021
Walter “Wally” Robert Purevich, Jr., 85, Creighton, died Oct. 15 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City. Walter Robert Purevich, Jr., was born March 4, 1936, the son of Walter Purevich, Sr., and Mary (Danko) Purevich in Whiting, Indiana.
Walter joined the United States Air Force and was in Korea during the Korean War. He was a member of the Clinton VFW Post 1894 and the American Legion in Urich. Walter was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Parish in Urich.Walter worked for the GM Leeds Assembly plant in Leeds. He worked in the paint and repair department for more than 30 years, retiring in 1988.
He also worked in the front-end department at Price Chopper in Harrisonville. One of Walter’s greatest joys was riding his motorcycles. He loved going on rides down the open road.
He was preceded in death by his parents Walter, Sr., and Mary Purevich.
Survivors include his children, Walter Charles Purevich, Wichita Falls, Texas, David Wayne Purevich, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kenneth Andrew Purevich, of Overland Park Kansas, Melinda Dillard, Pinellas Park, Florida, Johnny Jones, Willinton North Carolina, Doyal M. Jones, Sr., Blue Springs, Joann M. and Robert Lane, Independence, Chester L. and Pam Jones, Clinton, and Joseph M. and Heather Jones, Blue Springs; a brother; Gerald Purevich, Winamac, Indiana; two sisters; Marlene Golden and Mary Helen and John Socket, all of Crown Point, Indiana; 23 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Children’s Mercy Childhood Diabetes Center and can be left in care of the funeral home.
Fond memories and condolences can be left for the family online at http://www.vansantmillsfuneralhome.com.
