October 29, 1954 – August 19, 2025
Vernon Joe Pursell, 70, of Springville, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Indiana University Health Bedford Hospital.
Born October 29, 1954, in Newark, he was the son of Charles Sherman Pursell and Betty (Burks) New. He married Terri Gail Baker on March 9, 1974, and she survives.
Big Joe, Biggie, Poppa Joe, and “Joe Joe Dancer” left this world and are now on the biggest adventure of their lives. He leaves his wife, Tay-Tay, of 51 years. Big Joe fiercely loved her and took care of her. He protected his children, taught them strength, and let them be themselves in this world. He was extremely proud of who his grandsons were becoming and the impact they were having on this world. He loved his entire family with every ounce of his strength.
You could find him in the woods mushroom or ginseng hunting, fishing on the river, kayaking or boating on the lake, metal detecting, or walking the creek at his home. Big Joe was a talker, and those words often offered comfort, or most definitely, a laugh. People usually said he was the funniest person they had ever met. Your laugh made him happy. For anybody who would listen, he would tell them about Sam and “Autism Rocks and Rolls”, Joe-Joe and his hard work in college, and how Hunter, his little sidekick, was the smartest little boy in the world. Boys Behind the Fence will never be the same. He was a true artist. His masterpieces, paintings, drawings, and bowls, will help his legacy live on. If he were here, he would tell all of us, “I am fine.” So, he is, and we will be too.
Surviving are his wife, Terri Gail Pursell of Springville; children, Regina Dee (Douglas) Mitchell of Owensburg and Joe Michael (Catti) Pursell of Owensburg; grandchildren, Joe Ray Pursell of Owensburg, Sam Mitchell of Owensburg, and Hunter Pursell of Owensburg; and siblings, Connie Bohall, Ronnie Pursell, Lois Knox, Mary Vest, and Charley Pursell.
His parents and brother, Mac Pursell, preceded him in death.
Cremation has been chosen. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Chastain Funeral and Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.
