Lonnie Richard Purkey

Lonnie Richard Purkey, 76, of Frederick, MD passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Born on September24, 1949 in Olney, MD he was the beloved son of the late Lones and Helen Purkey and he was the youngest of six brothers and sisters.

He graduated from Gaithersburg High School where he was a proud All-Star football player. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army Reserves. Later, he was a plumber by trade, working with plumbing companies moving up to supervising commercial projects in MD, VA and DC.

From "confirmed bachelor" to meeting his future wife, Sherry, they built a life together, building their own home, going to concerts, always helping and having fun with friends and neighbors. They also, shared love of all their Irish Setters from the day they met.

After retirement, he loved planting vegetable and flower gardens and enjoyed the beauty of blooming flowers and being the first in the neighborhood to have ripe tomatoes. He counted the days in the spring for time to go to the woods to hunt morrel mushrooms.

Lonnie and Sherry decided to make Organic Doggie Treats. They worked together in their home kitchen to make the treats, then had fun meeting canines and their human companions who came to their table for a variety of delicious treats at farmers markets, rescue group events, In the Street Festivals in Frederick and Shepherdstown, WV, etc. Lonnie had a heart of gold and they donated most of the proceeds to rescue groups and the Frederick County Humane Society,

Lonnie is survived by his wife Sherry and two handsome Irish Setters, Kasey and Keegan.

Lonnie leaves behind his loving brothers Bob and Wayne Purkey, sister, Shirley.

Lonnie was a lifelong Washington Commanders (Redskins) fan in good times and bad. He was well enough to watch them win the game on Oct. 5th.

Lonnie fought to live a long and healthy life. But his body was tired and he passed peacefully as Sherry was on the way to spend time with him at FHH.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Lonnie's life will be held at 2pm, on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701. The viewing will be from 1pm to 2pm, before the service. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family invites all who knew him to attend bring photos and share their favorite memories.

Donations may be made to the Frederick County Humane Society, 1786 North Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701.