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P U R N E L L Lewis M. Purnell, beloved father, husband, uncle, brother, and son went peacefully to the Lord on Thursday, September 29, 2011 after a brief and unexpected illness. Lewis was born on Nov. 20, 1956 to Lewis and Bonnie Purnell. Lewis and his family lived in Chicago, IL for 13 years before they relocated to San Antonio, TX. Lewis attended John Marshall High School and Texas Lutheran College before attending medical school at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Lewis performed his residency at the University Of Oklahoma Health Science Center. In 1986, Lew, his wife, Debra, and son, Adam, moved from Oklahoma to San Antonio, TX where Lewis became a partner at the pediatric practice of Southwest Children's Center. Lewis was a dedicated pediatrician for 29 years and also proudly served his community by volunteering his time and expertise for several years at the Lady Lodge Youth camp. Lewis enjoyed sharing his faith when teaching adult and children Sunday school classes as well as serving on various church committees. Although a humble man, Lewis had many achievements, to include: Chief Resident of Pediatrics-University of Oklahoma Health Science Center 1985-1986, First Chief of Staff at Methodist Children's Hospital-Medical Executive Committee 1998, Chief of Staff Methodist Hospital 1999, Chairman of Medical Board Methodist Hospital 2000, Chairman of Pediatrics Ethics Committee Methodist Children's Hospital 2000, Chairman of Physician Resource Committee Methodist Children's Hospital 2002. He was also recognized in Texas Monthly Magazine as a Top Doctor in 2004, 2007, and 2008, and as a Super Doctor in 2005, and Best Doctor's in Texas 2001, 2002, and 2006. Lewis was an extraordinary man who had a profound impact in his work and his church, but most of all in the lives of friends and family. Lewis wanted us to share how important and meaningful his career was and how he looked forward to going to work every morning to care for his patients. Lewis is survived by his wife Debra Purnell; his children Adam Purnell and his wife Ana, Elizabeth Purnell and David Purnell; his parents Lewis and Bonnie Purnell; his siblings Robert Purnell and his wife Kathy and Julie Purnell; as well as nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all. The family would like to thank everyone for their out pouring of support and love. Dr. Purnell was touched by each and every card, and piece of art from his patients. SERVICES A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Colonial Hills United Methodist Church. All are invited to celebrate his life. For those wishing to make a charitable donation in honor of Dr. Purnell, they may be made to the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, 4507 Medical Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229, Dr. Lewis Purnell Memorial Fund Designated for children services in San Antonio and Bexar County. Checks should be made out to Methodist Healthcare Ministries and designated to Dr. Lewis Purnell Memorial Fund, or they can pay with PayPal at www.mhm.org. Please send all flowers and letters to the following address: Mission Park Funeral Chapels North 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive San Antonio, Texas 78230

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Lewis M. Purnell

November 20, 1956 - September 29, 2011