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Feb. 26, 2018 National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) reports: One of NAFB's most decorated award winners, Tony Purcell, has passed. Tony was the recipient of four 'Oscars® In Agriculture,' and over a dozen NAFB Marketcast, Newscast, or News Service Awards. Since 1998, Tony had been the voice of the Texas State Networks' Lone Star Farm and Ranch Report; his prior NAFB membership was with the Mid-America Ag Network from 1983 to 1988. Anthony Stephen Purcell, 71, of McKinney, Texas, passed away Monday afternoon, February 19, 2018 at the Medical City of McKinney. Born August 1, 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was the son of Joe and Jayne (Keopke) Purcell. He was raised and received his education in Hutchinson, Kansas, graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1964. He then joined the United States Army where he proudly served his country in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Tony attended Hutchinson Junior College and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He married Susan Griggs in 1971. To this union, three sons were born and the couple later divorced. He was united in marriage to Jeanie Williams on December 27, 1991 in Newkirk, Oklahoma. Tony discovered his passion for broadcasting early in life. His first broadcast job was during his sophomore year of high school, producing newscasts and tending to the automation system at a local radio station. While in the Army, he became the commanding officer for a psychological warfare radio station. As he continued to follow his passion, Tony took several disc jockey jobs in small and medium size markets, holding TV positions as a reporter, photographer, news producer and news director in Texas and Kansas. Tony joined the Texas State Networks in 1998 and has since come to define the network through his award-winning reporting. Tony has helped garner the network a #1 ranking in the Ag Media Research ratings, won four "Oscars in Agriculture", six NAFB "Best Newscast" honors, and seven in the latter's "Best Market Cast" category. Tony was baptized in the First Christian Church in Hutchinson. He loved the Kansas Jayhawks, Wichita State Shockers, the Texas Rangers. He also enjoyed cars, whether working on them or driving them. Graveside services will be held on April 28 at 2 pm at the Dexter Cemetery. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. A reception will be held at the Dexter Senior Center following the service. Memorials have been established in Tony's name for Disabled American Veterans and Operation Kindness Animal Shelter in Carrollton, TX. Contributions may be made through the funeral home. Tweet |
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