David R. Purdon, age 67, of Vandalia climbed out of the bucket truck and was lifted up into the heavens on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 2:36 p.m. Born on June 30, 1945 in Dayton, Dave was a son of the late George W. and Evelyn E. (Reser) Purdon. He married Irene Hazelbaker on November 15, 1975 and together they raised two sons: Matt Purdon of Union, Ohio and Chad (Leah) Purdon of Vandalia. He was a loving grandfather to two granddaughters, Ryann and Camryn. He is also survived by a brother, Tim Purdon of Arizona and two sisters, Diane Brown of Florida and Christy (Jim) Dillon of Dayton, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, John Purdon and a sister, Elaine Rogers. Dave was a 1963 graduate of Patterson Co-Op. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. Because of Dave''s strong work ethic, he was feared by many (in the best of ways) and respected by most. He retired in 2005 from DP&L with 42 years of employment. When his boys were younger he enjoyed coaching baseball and basketball. He loved restoring his 1957 Chevy. Memorial funeral services will be held on Saturday January 26, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. in BLESSING FUNERAL HOME 11900 N. Dixie Dr. Tipp City with Reverend Rick Washburn, Jr. of Vandalia Baptist Church presiding. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens with veteran''s services. The family will receive friends and family from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.blessingfh.com