Mark Alan Purcell

Mark Alan Purcell, age 67, of Sedona, AZ, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, due to a glioblastoma diagnosis in September 2024.  His final days were spent surrounded by his loving family at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.  Mark handled his diagnosis with acceptance, grace and peace.

Mark was born on September 27, 1957, in Peoria, IL, and was the son of Robert Purcell and the late Deanna Purcell.

Remaining to cherish Mark's memory are his sisters and their families, Laurie (Lee) Kinsinger, Karen (Greg) Mortimer, Paula (Jim) Hanes and, his seven nieces and nephews and four great nieces-nephews.

Preceding Mark in death was his mother, Deanna Purcell.

Mark graduated from Washington Community High School in 1975, then went on to Butler University, earning a pharmacy degree in 1980. During his college years, he was President of the Phi Delta Chi pharmacy fraternity and he began volunteering with medical clinics in Haiti.  Mark also created the Mark Purcell Endowed Fund for Clinical Experience so that future pharmacy students could also experience service opportunities in underserved communities. Even after retirement, Mark traveled to the Dominican Republic on two journeys in order to serve alongside pharmacy students from Butler.

Mark worked as a Pharmacist at Walmart for 35 years beginning his career in Bloomington-Normal, IL, area and completing it in Arizona. Mark retired from Walmart in 2022.

Mark led a life of service through his many years volunteering with a number of organizations.  He was the Director of Pharmacy for FOTCOH (Friends of the Children of Haiti) where he oversaw pharmacy services for 12,000 patient visits annually.  He also served the homeless through developing a nutrition program for the Compassion Center of Bloomington, IL, and was on the steering committee for the Verde Valley Homeless Coalition in Sedona, AZ.

Mark had a lifelong passion for animals and had a special place in his hearts for greyhounds having adopted several greyhound rescue dogs. He brought joy to the cats during his volunteer hours at the Sedona Humane Society. In his later years, the feline object of his affections was his beloved cat, Zora.

In moving to Sedona, AZ, Mark's life quickly revolved around hiking.  He became well-known in the community for organizing and leading hikes throughout the beautiful Arizona landscapes.  His many hiking friends have lovingly reached out to him during his illness to express their deep appreciation for his years of leadership.  Another activity Mark enjoyed was his intramural basketball league.

Mark also had an eclectic taste in musical genres ranging from Led Zeppelin to the Blind Boys of Alabama to Louis Armstrong. He treasured his many visits to New Orleans to enjoy Jazz Fest and the music of the city.

Mark was well-known for his sense of humor including his grimace-inducing puns and his "creative" wardrobe choices. Mark also enjoyed collecting beautiful works of art by local Southwest artists.

Mark attended Cornerstone Bible Church in Sedona, AZ and was active with Our Redeemer Lutheran Church during his years in Bloomington, IL.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Victory Home Health Services and the staff at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice House for their compassionate care.  A memorial will be held in Sedona, AZ, on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Memorial donations can be directed to the Sedona Humane Society or FOTCOH (Friends of the Children of Haiti).