Purkey tournament benefits local hospice

Courtesy photo LAKES AREA HOSPICE Executive Director Jeanette Coffield received a $35,000 donation from Paul Spence on behalf of the Richard Purkey Sr. memorial golf tournament held in October.

The Richard Purkey Sr. memorial golf tournament at Bayou Din in October raised a $35,000 donation for Lakes Area Hospice in Jasper.

Purkey started a small sheet metal company called Southeast Texas Metal Works more than 25 years ago. The company grew to four divisions employing more than 800 people.

Lakes Area Hospice, a nonprofit charitable organization, took care of Purkey during his final illness.

"They went above and beyond the call of duty during this time of need and we would like to assist in making sure that this organization will be around to take care of others," said a Purkey family press release.

Jeanette Coffield, executive director of LAH, said crews from Purkey's company have also assisted by renovating the outside of the hospice building on Ethel Street.