Virgil E. Calvert of Tower Hill, Illinois passed away Friday, March 8th 2024 after a brief illness. In keeping with Virgil’s wishes, there will be no services.

Virgil E. Calvert was born December 26th 1954 to Barbara Cole Calvert Mitchell and Robert Calvert in his Cole grandparents home in Tower Hill, IL.

He graduated from Tower Hill High School in 1973. He served in the US Navy as active and reserve duty from 1973-1979. Virgil then graduated from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing, Springfield, Illinois in 1982. Virgil worked in various fields of nursing including: State of Illinois Long Term facility surveyor, Shelby Memorial Hospital- Staff Nurse, ER- House supervisor and Skilled Care Nurse Manager, and other local skilled care facilities with his last nursing role at the Shelbyville Manor until his passing. Virgil loved his cats, plants, and flowers.

Virgil had his own floral design business named Der Blumenstrauss.

Virgil married Randy Purkes on August 15th 2014 and he preceded him in death on February 23rd, 2023.

Virgil is survived by his sisters, Barbara Calvert, Jeannie Hutchcraft, brothers, Jim Calvert, Dennis Calvert, Rick (Sandy) Calvert, sister in law Gina Calvert Hoelscher, step-father Lewis (Debby) Mitchell, special niece Abbie Calvert, 17 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his husband, Randy Purkes, mother, Barbara Mitchell, father, Bob Calvert and brother, Bill Calvert.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. John’s Hospital in Springfield Illinois and the Shelbyville Manor in Shelbyville Illinois for their wonderful care of Virgil.

Memorials may be sent to Saving Orphaned Animals in Shelbyville IL.