Louis Anthony Purin

January 17, 1943 - September 30, 2021
Louis Anthony Purin

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Louis Anthony Purin, of Leland, North Carolina, went to be with the Lord on September 30, 2021. He was at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Lou was born on January 17, 1943 in Pottsville, PA to Louis Arthur Purin and Laura Tasso Purin. He was the oldest of three children. Lou was known from a young age for an incredible work ethic and often told stories of his first job, at the age of seven, carrying coal for a neighbor. Lou was proud of the many jobs he had growing up in Pottsville, attending school at St. John’s Catholic School and attending and playing football for the Crimson Tide of Pottsville High School. He enjoyed the close community of family and friends in the Pottsville area and often told stories of shenanigans and friends from his youth.

Lou was a patriot. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served on the USS Duncan in the Pacific Fleet. (1961-1965). Upon graduation, he began his career with Boilermakers Local 13 and then Combustion Engineering where he achieved the role of construction manager for the building of various power plants.

In 1987 he married Jan Kelly. Work in the construction industry resulted in moves to different areas of the country including Canada. Upon retirement from construction, they moved to Colorado, an area where Lou had always wanted to live. Afraid he would not like retirement or not be busy, he bought a towing business which allowed him to travel around this beautiful state.
After selling the business, Lou and Jan moved to North Carolina in 2007 to help care for family. This move was a blessing. Lou became very involved in Closer Walk United Methodist Church in Leland. His skills and interest in building and helping others less fortunate led him to work with Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministries (WARM). In 2014, he learned of Gateway Landing and saw the need to help men who were recovering from life controlling issues. He started Anchor Wood Products, LLC with the intent to hire men in the Gateway Landing program. Lou wanted to share his knowledge and skill in woodworking, as well as his work ethic and was a positive role model for men who had problems. He was active in the Coastal Carolina Emmaus community, and always looked forward to his breakfast with the Early Eagles on Wednesday morning. These men were very special to him and he loved their time together.

Lou enjoyed driving and traveling with Jan in their motorhome. His favorite place to camp in the summer was with family at Crescent Lake in Rhinelander. The highlight of their travels was a trip to the Holy Land in 2018. Food played a big part in Lou’s life. He loved to cook for family and friends and many delicious meals were enjoyed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Jan of 34 years and his children, LaDonna Littlejohn and husband Mark, Mark Purin and wife Vicki, Lori Harrell, and Jody Lee Kelly; sister Kathie Lynch; grandchildren, Joshua Littlejohn, Alyssa Littlejohn, Sarah May, Leah Purin, Norah Purin, Justin Bliese, and Ryan Harrell; and three great grandchildren, Brett, Brody and Camryn Littlejohn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jim Purin his sister-in-law, Gloria Purin, and his brother-in-law, Richard Lynch.

A visitation will be held for Lou on Saturday, October 9 from 11-1 PM, followed by a memorial service at 1PM at Closer Walk United Methodist Church, 117 Village Road, Leland. Internment with full military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on November 5 at 2PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Closer Walk United Methodist Church of Leland, Gateway Landing, or Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel – 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


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  • October 02, 2021
    Charlie Riggs says:
    Angela and I are sorry to hear about the passing of Louis.we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers

  • October 04, 2021
    Kathie says:
    Jan, I was very surprised but excited when you and Lou decided to join us in NC. In all my married life I never lived near either of my siblings so I looked forward to spending time together. I think he got annoyed with me at times, but that’s what sisters do, right? Anyway, I’m so glad we had these last 15 years (almost) together. Although there were five of us in the beginning, it’s just the two of us now to go on and we will. It will never be the same but we will always have our memories. I hope I was a help to you during this terrible time, and thank you for being there for me when I needed a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on.

  • October 05, 2021
    Deb Russell says:
    I met Lou and Jan at Closer Walk church were I attended with my husband Mel. I have fond memories of times we spent together before Mel went to be with the Lord. Now, Lou has joined him. Jan, Lou will be missed by all who loved him. God bless.

  • October 05, 2021
    Joseph and Eileen Zischkau says:
    We met Lou and Jan at Closer Walk when it was at the Leland Middle school. Two wonderful people with big hearts. We have been blessed having them in our life. Lou will be missed by us and so many others. He was a man with a generous heart and compassion for his fellow man. Praise God for his life. Rest in peace.

  • October 05, 2021
    Peter Kendall says:
    I was BLESSED to be part of the Early Eagles with Lou. what a wonderful and loving man , he sure will be missed