Earl W. “Snapper” Purner, 91, of Allentown, died March 5, 2026. He was the husband of the late Ruth Ann (Schneck) Purner to whom he was married 64 years before her death. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Claude and Kate (Burger) Purner.

He owned and operated a roofing company for 40 years before retiring. He was a member and former firefighter of the Woodlawn Fire Company, Allentown, participated in the Woodlawn Dart League and was a member of Union United Church of Christ, Neffs.

He enjoyed nothing more than sharing a good laugh and a well-told story with friends and family. When he wasn’t doing that, he was often in the garage, hard at work on a project and happiest with tools in hand.

He is survived by a daughter, Melissa A. Purner-Snyder (Stanton), of Allentown; granddaughter, Katherine R. Purner and her fiancé, Kyle Shade, of Allentown; brother-in-law, Donald J. George, of Allentown.

He was predeceased by siblings, Billy, Marcelle Wagner, Fred.

A memorial service will be held noon March 20, at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville, with the Rev. Kris P. Snyder officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects 11 a.m. to noon before the service.

Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodlawn Fire Company, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, 18078-0196.