Obituaries
Gary Wayne Puryear
Gary Wayne Puryear died peacefully on June 8, 2023 in hospice care at Emerson Hospital. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 5, 1944. He spent much of his childhood on the shores of Lake Michigan and on the farm with his grandparents near Manistee, Michigan. Gary graduated from Michigan State University in 1966 with a BA in Landscape Architecture, lit up the MSU field playing drums in the marching band, and met the love of his life Marcia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and was then stationed in Germany. Marcia joined him there until the two returned home and were married in 1970. After earning his Master’s Degree as well, Gary became an accomplished landscape architect and contributed to projects around New England, including the Franklin Park Zoo. Throughout much of his career he was a civilian with the Army Corps of Engineers and traveled New England strengthening environmental safety on army bases and training soldiers, until he retired in 2004 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He and Marcia raised their family in Concord, MA, and loved to take family trips, skiing out west or traveling internationally. Gary always connected with the sights and smells of the coast, spending summers in Rockport in the post and beam seaside house that he built, and over the last 15 years relaxing in the quiet beauty of Grey Gables in Bourne, MA. From participating in Revolutionary War reenactments with the Concord Minutemen (and serving as Captain), to being a Boy Scout troop leader, to placing flags at the National Cemetery, he was an active member of his community who loved time well spent in everyday celebration with family and friends. He adored his grandchildren and loved to teach them skills in the kitchen while making good food. Gary loved a good story and a good laugh, drew joy from listening to Jimmy Buffet and cooking up lobster for family, and livened up each space he entered.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia Puryear; daughter, Kristen Puryear (Sean Donohue); son, Corey Puryear (Wendy); grandchildren, Maeve, Ellia, Morgan, and Carson; sister, Penelope VanDam (David); brother, Jeffrey Puryear (Myriam Waiser); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation was held at Concord Funeral Home (74 Belknap St., Concord) on Friday, June 16 from 2-5 p.m. A wake has also been organized by Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home (40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne) on Sunday, June 18 from 2-3 p.m. with a service from 3-4 p.m., to be followed by a reception at the Puryear’s house in Bourne. Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, June 19 at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, Ma.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Gary’s name to the Bourne VFW at 180 Shore Rd., Bourne, MA 02532. For directions and online condolences please visit www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com.
Dee Terry DePue
Dee Terry DePue, a man who always wanted it done his way, died on Thursday, May 25, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Terry, 85, was born on January 31, 1938, in Charlotte, the son of Gerald and Helen (Larke) DePue. Upon graduating from high school, Terry worked for a few different companies before settling in at Oldsmobile where he worked on the Line as a Painter until his retirement. On September 15, 1976, Terry married Paulette Wildt and started their legacy together. In his younger years Terry loved to help his father out on the farm. Farming was a big passion for Terry. Most people in the Charlotte, Nashville, and Vermontville area know that Terry was a big fan of the Stanton Auctions and tried not to miss any. Terry was a collector of anything that could be collected, and his pride and joy was his baseball collection. You could also find Terry out working in his vegetable gardens or mowing his lawn, he loved being outside. Terry had a love for animals, he was always willing to help any stray cats that got dropped off on the property. His biggest enjoyment in life was spending time with his wonderful family that he loved.
Terry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Paulette; children, Terry (Larry) Morrison, Darla (Mike) Limmer, Robin (Robert) Osenbaugh, Billie Joe (Richie) Powers, and Robert (Sandra) Wehr; 17 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sister, Linda (Phil) Austin; lifelong friend, Larry Gearhart. He was predeceased by his parents; and sons, John DePue and Steven Wehr.
Friends are encouraged to support Terry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life for Terry will take place later this summer at the family farm. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to any local humane society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Betty Lou Wells
Betty Lou Wells, born December 30, 1953, died May 29, 2023. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
Lesley Dean Emard
Lesley Dean Emard, age 78, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. He was born May 14, 1945, in Marquette, Michigan the son of Roy and Clarion (Loveless) Emard. Les graduated from Springport High School in 1964. Soon after graduation he served his country in the United States Navy. Everyone who knew Les could tell you that his life revolved around music. He had a passion for bluegrass music and could play and sing just about any song you could imagine. He was extremely talented on the guitar and loved entertaining others. He played with the Hallway Pickers for years and later in life joined The Ovations. Les loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time picking and singing together.
Les is survived by his siblings: Raymond Emard of Thorp, Wisconsin; Lois (Ken) Granger of Newago; Michigan, Dan (Vonda) Emard of Battle Creek; great granddaughter, Annie Haeck; numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Stella; five brothers; and three sisters.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Rice Creek Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Les’s honor to the American Cancer Society.
To view Les’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Martha Mae Frey
Martha Mae Frey, 86, a caring and loving, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, died on Friday, June 9, 2023, at her home. Martha was born on October 22, 1936, in Charlotte, the daughter of Cleve and Venus (Towe) Harmon. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954. It was in school where she met Wayne Frey, and on June 16, 1956, the couple began their love story. She devoted her life to the Lord and was an active member of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, the same church where she and Wayne were married. Martha was a proud homemaker working on the farm alongside her husband and lifelong companion Wayne. In her younger years she worked as a Clerk at Revco Drug Store, Carter’s IGA and also as a PTA volunteer at Parkview Elementary School. Her pride and joy in life was being a mother. Martha made delicious meals for her family from scratch and was known for her scrumptious pies. Martha was very active as a 4-H leader, she oversaw the float making and one year her float was crowned 1st place.
Martha’s hobbies included working in her flower gardens, reading, playing cards, enjoying concerts at Shipshewana, and traveling. Every summer the family would always take a trip away from the farm. In 1976 rented a popup trailer and hit the road for Disney World, a trip that was an experience with five people in one little trailer. They also rented cabins in Northern Michigan. In recent years Martha and Wayne wintered in Florida. Above all Martha adored her time spent with her family and the home that she and Wayne built on the farm.
Martha is survived by her husband of 66 years, Wayne; children, Mark (Rhonda) Frey, Cathy Frey, William Frey, Michael (Mary) Frey; grandchildren, Christine (John) Westfall, Elizabeth (Jacob) Smith, James Frey, Amanda Morris, Stacy Morris, and Andrew Morris; great-grandchildren, John Bennett Westfall IV, and Hazel Joyce Westfall. She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings, Lawrence, Gertrude, Dora, Bessie, Robert, Florence, Richard, and Mary.
Friends are encouraged to support Martha’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte. A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jack Conklin officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Martha’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church or Eaton Area Senior Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.