LEWIS "LEW" PURNELL

1933 - 2021

Lewis "Lew" Purnell, age 88, passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021, in New Braunfels, TX. Lew was born on July 27, 1933, in Alton, IL to Lewis J. Purnell and Edith S. Haynes Purnell.

He met Bonnie, his wife of 66 years, during his junior year at Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL. They got married upon his graduation in 1955. He attended graduate school at LSU, but a growing family pulled him back to Chicago, IL to start his work career. He was a very successful salesman for Ambassador Cards, a division of Hallmark Cards, for 38 years. He gladly accepted a new position that brought him down to San Antonio in 1969. He didn't miss the Chicago winters.

A high school athlete, he always followed sports. A lifelong fan of baseball, he grew up watching the St. Louis Browns until he saw the light and started following the Chicago Cubs. He saw many of the great players of baseball, unfortunately, usually on the visiting team. He was also a passionate follower of the University of Texas at Austin football team. Why the coaches didn't follow his loudly proclaimed advice through the TV is a mystery.

Card playing was taught to him from an early age from his parents and it was something that brought him joy. When time permitted, he played pinochle with family. Upon retiring, he had the time to play competitive bridge and he greatly enjoyed that.

With retirement, he and Bonnie pursued their passion of traveling and they took many trips. They visited all 50 states and many other countries. Some to experience something new or to visit an old fondness, like spring training for the Cubs. When his health didn't permit him to travel anymore, he was always glad that they traveled so much when they were able.

Lew was a voracious reader and a constant learner, but by far his greatest joy and pride was his family. His focus in life was the betterment of the family. He had a tireless work ethic and success was for Bonnie and the children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Dr. Lewis McKinley Purnell. Lew is survived by his wife, Bonnie G. Purnell; son, Robert Marshall Purnell and wife Kathy; daughter, Julie Ann Purnell; daughter-in-law, Debra Purnell; and a brother, Dr. John Purnell and his wife Helga. He has five grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.

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