William Purden, Former Thornton Basketball Coach, Dies

The following obituary is courtesy of Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel in Cheyenne, Wyoming

William Purden, 88, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017. Bill was born June 10, 1928 in Akron, Ohio, the son of the late Peter and Helen (Cuthbertson) Purden. After serving in the Marine Corps, Bill attended Cornell College (1948-1951) where he majored in education and English. He married his hometown sweetheart, Mary Jane (Weaver) Purden in 1949, and together, they lived their great adventure until her death on May 15, 2011.

Bill began his career as a high school teacher and basketball coach in Iowa, spending two years each at Huron, Winfield, and Fort Madison respectively. Bill returned to his hometown of Harvey, Illinois in 1956 and began a successful eight year run at his alma mater, Thornton Township High School, as the Head Basketball Coach. His successful coaching style took his teams to the State Championships four times, and a later earned him an invitation to the Illinois Coaches Basketball Hall of Fame. Bill later took his career to the university level, and served as the Assistant Basketball Coach for the University of Wyoming (1965-1970) and as the Head Basketball Coach for Valparaiso University (1970-76). Bill retired his coach’s playbook in 1976, and began his administrative career as the Athletic Director at Tinley Park High School in Tinley Park, Illinois (1976-1988). Bill’s passion for coaching touched countless lives, and as such, he was honored many times over the years for his contributions to the sport and to his players.

Bill is survived by his three daughters: Katherine Vialpando of Cheyenne, Debra Purden of New York, New York, and Lori Compton (Doug) of Glen Carbon, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Amy and Sara Vialpando, Claire (Jake Harper), Seth and Grace Molek, and Jennalee, Michael, and Matthew Compton. He was preceded in death by his beloved son and grandson, Scott and Bryan Purden; and two sisters, Janet Acklin and Jean Schneider.

Bill was devoted husband, father, and teacher. He was a member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church as well as an avid golfer and bridge player. Bill enjoyed retirement in Sun Lakes, Arizona living his dream of having a golf course right outside his back door, before returning to Wyoming for his final years. Bill will be remembered most for his zest for life, his devotion to his wife and children, and his dedication to his coaching career.

Services were held.

Condolences to www.wrcfuneral.com

Photo courtesy of Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel