Jon Christopher Purcell

Jon Christopher “Chris” Purcell, 77, of Beaver, Oklahoma passed away in the early hours of Thursday, June 11, 2026, in the Beaver County Nursing Home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Chris was born in Canadian, Texas on September 19, 1948, the oldest of 3 siblings, to JC and Johnnie Purcell. He graduated from Canadian High School in 1967. After graduation, Chris moved to Beaver, Oklahoma where he met and married Sharilyn McAlister on May 25, 1968.

Chris spent his career working alternately in the oil field or with cars. He worked as a mechanic, service manager, and owned his own oilfield business and a used car dealership and repair shop.

Beyond his professional life, Chris had a small cow/calf operation with his brother, Howard Purcell. Chris also had a deep love of all things western: movies, books – especially by Elmer Kelton, art, history, and guns.

Chris is preceded in death by his parents JC and Johnnie Purcell and grandson Dominic Purcell.

Chris is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharilyn Purcell, and his three children: Toby Purcell and wife Heather of Beaver, Oklahoma, Wendy Ringer and husband John of Perry, Oklahoma, and Jody Purcell of Beaver, Oklahoma.

Chris is also survived by grandchildren: Cameron, Austin, Emma, Aubree, Christopher, Crystal, Kayleigh, Caleb, and Jackson Purcell, Claire Patton, Wyatt and Clancy Ringer, and Pirate and Johnnie Blades Purcell and several great-grandchildren.

Surviving siblings are Howard Purcell and wife Joyce of Florence, Texas and Kerri Radcliff and husband Richard of Forgan, Oklahoma.