Pursel, Richard E. (1925-2010)

PURSEL, ARGO, CHRETIEN

Posted By: C. Tucker (email)
Date: 10/13/2013 at 11:41:36

The Review-Journal
Las Vegas, NV

RICHARD PURSEL

Richard E. Pursel, former music teacher and band director at Rancho High School in Las Vegas from the early 1950's until the 1980's, passed from this life Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, in Carlsbad, Calif. He was 85. Richard was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, July 24, 1925, and moved to Las Vegas with his parents, John William and Madge Pursel and their family in 1939. He graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1943. Richard was a decorated U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having entered military service upon his graduation from high school and having served overseas in the U.S. First Army, 520th Quartermaster Railhead Company, landing at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France about 30 days after the first invasion by U.S. Armed Forces there, and serving in France from that time until the end of the war in Europe, including during the Battle of the Bulge and other military operations. Richard obtained his degree in music from the Chicago music Conservatory in Chicago in 1950, and subsequently obtained his masters' degree in music in Las Vegas. After his graduation, he taught music for a short time at Alton Military Academy in Illinois, but soon thereafter he returned to Las Vegas to become the first music teach and director of the band at Rancho High School from the time Rancho High opened until his retirement in 1985. During his tenure at Rancho High, Richard and his high school bands won many marching band contests and received several honors and numerous awards and trophies in competitions in Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, and throughout the western United States. He has been honored by the Clark County School District as a Hall of Fame teacher, as shown by a plaque which hangs in the school district offices. Many of Richard's former band and music students still reside in Las Vegas. After his retirement from the Clark County School District, Richard was employed as a judge of marching band competitions throughout southern California, in which position he continued to serve for several years. Richard is survived by his daughter, Debra Ann Argo, of Ft. Myers Beach, Fla.; sons, Michael Dean Pursel of Las Vegas, and John W. Pursel of Oceanside, Calif. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard, who was killed while in military service. His is also survived by his brother, Jack J. Pursel (Marian), William L. Pursel (Mabel) and Thomas L. Pursel (Joan); sister, Jeanne Pursel Chretien, all of Las Vegas; and many nieces and nephews. There will be a cryptside service at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at Palm Mortuary Mausoleum, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. A celebration of Richard's life will follow at 1 p.m. for his family and friends at the home of his twin brother, William Pursel, 4015 W. Arby, Las Vegas, NV 89118. Donations in Richard's memory can be made to the Rancho High School band fund or to your favorite charity.