The new terminal at Steven E. Shephard Airport in Purcell will be dedicated to the memory of Ron Fishburn this Friday, July 8, at 6 p.m.

Mr. Fishburn served Purcell as Mayor and Council Member for 18 years.

He was Chairman of the Airport Board and instrumental in development of the facility to encourage local economic development.

He served three tours in Vietnam as a U. S. Army helicopter pilot, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

His military honors included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit, the nation’s highest peacetime honor.  Mr. Fishburn was also a single engine private pilot, encouraging local interest in piloting.

His last public appearance before his death in late 2019 was as keynote speaker for the dedication of the new James C. Nance Memorial Purcell-Lexington Bridge.

He was recognized as being one of three people at the event who had been at the opening of the new and also the one it replaced from 1938.

The public is invited to the event.  The airport address is 1430 190th Street (south of Purcell City Lake, west of I-35 on Chandler Road).

Council member James “Jay” Tate made the motion for the memorial recognition to the city council. The action was unanimously approved.

The Friday evening ceremony will consist of:

Opening Prayer

National Anthem

Recognition of Ron Fishburn Achievements

Family Comments Led by Son Mayor Graham “Rocky” Fishburn

Unveiling of a Bronze Memorial