Wayne Emanuel Purcell

Wayne E. Purcell, 78, of Owensboro passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. The Daviess County native was born April 12, 1948, to the late William Purcell and Dorothy Hamilton Purcell. Wayne attended Daviess County High School where he participated in various sports including football, basketball, and the diving team. He attended the Caterpillar Tractor trade school in E. Peoria, Illinois and became a journeyman electrician with the company. Wayne retired in 2002 and returned to Owensboro in 2009. He loved music and taught himself how to play the guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin while finding time to enjoy his favorite pastimes of fishing and golf.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by a son, William E Purcell; brother, Larry E Purcell; sister, Doe Faye Purcell-Pasco and brother-in-law, Bill “Bubby” Huskisson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of fifty-four years, Antonia S. Purcell; daughter, Connie Sue Betebenner; grandchildren, Samantha Purcell and Grace Purcell; sister, Phylliss Jean (Bill) Huskison; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a date yet to be determined. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery. Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

Condolences and memories for Wayne’s family may be left at www.glenncares.com.