Ricky Purcell Obituary

District Judge Ricky Dale Purcell, age 76, won his battle with cancer on September 5, 2025 at home surrounded by family and was welcomed to his heavenly home by many friends and family.

Ricky was born June 14, 1949 to Hermann and Leona Faye (Gates) Purcell and he grew up in the Porter community. Ricky attended all 12 years in San Jon Schools and graduated in 1967.

He became interested in music, mostly the guitar at the age of twelve and later added the steel guitar. In 8th grade he formed his first band and in later years you could find him playing dances in Eastern New Mexico with his bands "The Rain" in college, The Mesquite Band in the 1980's and in recent years his band the "Rocker Riders".

While in high school he excelled at sports and had the opportunity to play with the San Jon Coyotes in 2 State Basketball tournaments, 2 State Baseball tournaments winning the State Baseball Championship in 1966, and 3 State High School Championship rodeos. His talents and love of basketball and calf roping has been passed down to his sons and now his grandsons. He loved to retell these stories to his grandkids and they often got exaggerated every time he told them and his grandkids loved to give him a hard time about these "facts".

In 1967 Ricky graduated from San Jon High School and enrolled in Eastern New Mexico University in the fall of 1967. Ricky met his wife of 54 years Peggy (Malone) Purcell on the campus of ENMU in 1970 and they married a year later on April 10, 1971. They both continued their education at ENMU where Ricky received his Bachelor of Science in History in 1971. In January of 1972, Ricky and Peggy moved to Houston where Ricky was accepted at South Texas College of Law. In August of 1974, Ricky graduated with the American Jurisprudence Award in Equity and his Juris Doctorate degree. After passing the state bar exams in both Texas and New Mexico they packed their belongings and eagerly headed back to the plains of Eastern New Mexico settling close to home in Tucumcari.

In March of 1975, Ricky became Partner in the law firm of Rowley, Bowen and Purcell. During this time, he was actively engaged in farming, ranching and the raising and racing of Quarter Horses with his dad. Also during this time Ricky was a member and President of Kiwanis Club, The Tucumcari Bar Association and was named "Outstanding Young Men of America" in 1982. Ricky served as Tucumcari City Attorney from 1975 to 1992 while also growing his private practice. Ricky and family were members of the First Baptist Church of Tucumcari where he was blessed to see all three of his kids saved and baptized.

In 1992 Ricky was appointed as District Judge of the 10th Judicial District of New Mexico by Governor Bruce King. He served as District Judge of the 10th Judicial District which encompassed Quay, Harding, and De Baca counties for 17 years until his retirement in 2007. Throughout his legal career, Ricky surrounded himself with the best, most qualified friends and employees who became like family. "Judge Purcell" was referred to by his peers as one of the most impartial, fair, honest, ethical and moral attorneys and later Judge to serve on the bench for the State of New Mexico.

Together Ricky and Peggy had three children Payton, Lance and Chris. His greatest enjoyment besides music, horses, and sports was whatever activities his kids were participating in- whether it was soccer, basketball, rodeos, horse shows, or pig shows you would find him there supporting his family. He took great pride in his kid's successes and now in their successes as adults.

Ricky was blessed by 9 grandkids who were his pride and joy and who have inherited his love of music, horses, calf roping, and all sports. You could usually find him following his grandkids watching rodeos, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, football, golf and stock shows. He enjoyed reading, drinking coffee with his friends, continuing to run cattle and playing guitars with his band.

His family is proud of the legacy he leaves behind both personally and professionally and have received multiple heart felt comments in the past few weeks regarding the lives he has touched.

Ricky is preceded in death by his parents Hermann and Leona Faye Purcell.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years Peggy Purcell, daughter Payton Purcell Darrow and husband Justin of Wellington TX, son Lance Purcell and wife Johnna of Bushland TX, son Chris Purcell and wife Jessica of Artesia NM. Six Grandsons Cole Purcell, Tripp Purcell, Luke Purcell, Jake Purcell, Ryder Purcell and Jace Darrow. Three grandaughters Kenna Darrow Smith and husband Tyler, Bailey Purcell and Harlow Purcell. Two sisters Debi Ware and husband Jimmy of Grady NM, and Tonya Cornett and husband Jay of Gardendale TX, Uncle Donnie Purcell and wife Patty and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are by Dunn Funeral Home in Tucumcari, visitation will be at Dunn Funeral Home on Friday September 12 from 4-6. Services will be Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 at San Jon Baptist Church, San Jon New Mexico with interment following at San Jon Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Helping Hands Hospice, Tucumcari, New Mexico or San Jon Cemetary, San Jon NM