Neil Edwin Purvis-Sandridge, 83 - passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at approximately 11:30pm, in his Holt, Mo. home, with his daughter Marlo nearby. Earlier in the day, he had several different visitors. Although he was not too aware of their presence, his son Aryk and his wife, grandson Issaac, and granddaughter Erika were at the home most of the day and stayed through the Chiefs game that evening. His sister-in-law Rose and niece Stefanie had been by, along with his one and only great grandchild, Rosie and her mom Alexis. We also had some of the nurses from hospice in and out. After the Chiefs victory, majority of the family left, leaving just his daughter Marlo by his side, tending to him until he passed.

Neil was born to William Howard Purvis and June Florence Beck, on March 23, 1942, in Baldwin City, Ks. His family moved around quite a bit throughout his younger years. He lived briefly in Englewood, Ca. and in several parts of Kansas, including Wichita and Lenexa. He also lived in Archie and Harrisville, Mo. In September of 1955 he resided on a farm at Route 1 Paola, Ks., until his graduation from high school in 1960. Neil lost his birth father at the age of 5, on November 6, 1947. His mother remarried, on June 17, 1949, to Franklin Eugene Sandridge. Neil and his brother Larry were later adopted by Frank on January 3, 1952. Neil and Larry also have two half sisters, Mary Jean and Nancy. 

During the years after his father's passing and his mother's remarrying, Neil lived with his grandparents Philo Karl and Mary Etta Beck. It was there that a young Neil would tend to the animals, assist in the garden, and learn carpentry. His grandparents were a big influence in his life, they shared their wisdom, and their knowledge with him. There is one story in particular that Neil would tell, more than once, which happened at their farm. As a young fella 5 to 6-year-old, Neil was out one day, loafing around the farm when he spotted an airplane flying overhead. He watched as something came out of that plane. As it drifted toward the ground, he realized it was a person. As that person descended their parachute opened, and Neil gazed at them with amazement. It was then; his creative imagination began to ponder. What if I used an umbrella and jumped from the barn window? Could I do as this person had done?  He climbed into the barn, opened his umbrella and leaped from the edge. The umbrella folded and Neil surprisingly landed on his feet. Now as his daughter, I have to say, I think that jolted landing was probably the beginning of all of his back problems later in life, along with Bull riding. There is a photo included of Pop standing by that very barn and the window is behind him. 

Neil was a "lefty," but as a child in a one-room schoolhouse he was refrained from using his left hand and became a righty.  Neil was a Cub Scout and later a Boy Scout with Troop 242, where he achieved the rank of Life Scout. Neil would also join scouting with his son, Aryk, as an adult. Attending Boy Scout Camp, being a leader, and participating in the "Tribe of Mic-O-Say." Neil would beat the drums, while the Mic-O-Say Dancers performed Native dances at different events. Neil was also a member of the 4-H Club, He was a member of several school bands, and he played football for 4 years, while attending Wellsville High School. Home of the Eagles! Neil joined and attended the Pleasant Ridge Southern Baptist Church in 1954. Even though Neil was not a constant presence at any particular church throughout his life. He was a Christian and believed that the good Lord would call him home one day. 

During his senior year of high school, Neil was introduced to the Naval Air Reserves. He joined the reserves on January 9, 1960, in Olathe, Ks. After graduation he was then transferred into the United States Navy on August 5, 1960. Neil was trained at the U.S. Naval Station, San Diego, Ca. After training he was then transferred to the Pacific Fleet Operational Control Center, in Hawaii. His rank was RMSN- Radioman/Seaman. In June of 1961 he was granted interim clearance for access up to and including secret matter required to perform his duties. Neil operated a telegraphic typewriter, read perforated teletypewriter tape, and kept required logs of all information regarding the Vietnam conflict. It was while stationed in Hawaii that Neil found bull riding. He rode bulls for several years, and even though he eventually quit due to some back issues, he always enjoyed watching. Neil's last duty assignment was aboard the USS Wedderburn DD-684. They followed alongside the Kittyhawk. Neil would like to tell youngsters about the Kittyhawk and laugh at their expressions when they would look at him and say, "Your old!" Neil was honorably discharged and released from active duty and transferred to naval reserves on July 31. 1964. His naval reserve obligations were completed on January 7, 1966. "Not For Self, But For Country," thank you for your service, Pop!

After the Navy, Neil went on to work at the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo. for 42 years. There he performed a multitude of jobs from unloading cars at the rail docks, to the assembly line, to being a repairman, to doing torque inspections and working with vendors in receiving inspection before he retired in 2007. Neil had a variety of cars and trucks over the years. But the one that got away to soon will always be a, straight off the line, 1965 Mustang Fastback Shelby! The wife couldn't drive a stick, and the family was growing, so he sold it. 

He married his wife, Sharon in July 1966 and they had one son, Aryk (1967) and a daughter, Marlo (1970). They bought their first home at 3429 Morrell Ave., in Northeast, Kansa City, Mo. and continued to raise their children and live there until the entire family moved to Holt, Mo. in 2002. Neil has three grandchildren, Michael (1987), Issaac (1994) and Erika (1999), and one great Grandchild born August 27, 2025, a sweet little girl named, Rosemary Fae or "Rosie."

Neil was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, NASCAR races, and rodeos! He held season tickets at one point for both the Chiefs and the Kansas Speedway. Neil enjoyed hunting, fishing, and country music. Johnny Cash and Alan Jackson were two of his favorites! Neil liked peddling in his barn, mowing his 5 acres, feeding his birds, especially the hummingbirds. Some of his favorite foods were Frog Legs, Mt. Oysters, sweet potato fries, grits and just about any fish! He loved Snickerdoodles, Chic-O-Sticks and Horehound candies! He loved sitting on his front porch with a good cup of coffee and loving on any animals we've had. There have been dogs, cats, ducks, rabbits, and a potbellied pig just in his years in Holt. Currently there are two cats, Castiel and Carter, wondering where their Papa is at? 

Neil was a quiet person. Always claimed to be extremely shy as a younger kid. His personality was very mellow, and calm. He had opinions, but he didn't always share them directly. Although his wife and daughter would usually get to hear them later on. "POP" as his kids call him, was a good man. He was our teacher, our disciplinarian when needed, and our hero! As his daughter, no other man will ever measure up to my Pop! 

Not unlike the rest of us, Neil's life had its ups and downs, trials and errors, good times and bad, but he had a full life! With all of his travels, Neil was happiest living in a quiet country home. Neil lives on in the hearts and lives of family and friends! He is a beloved Pop, Papa, Great-Papa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend! He will be remembered forever. He was loved. 

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