David S. Purcell

David Purcell  was the founder and owner of Purcell & Associates, L.L.C., which was succeeded by Purcell & Amen, L.L.C., a St. Louis [Sunset Hills], Missouri - based estate planning law firm. He has practiced extensively and continuously in the estate planning field for 30 years. Recognized for his knowledge and dedication, David Purcell provides quality services to clients concerned about protecting their hard-earned dollars and providing for their loved ones in case of disability or death.

Because of his outstanding reputation, Purcell is frequently invited to speak on estate planning and elder law matters. David has authored numerous articles on estate planning for both national and local publications. He also wrote Chapter 6, “Planning and Paying for Long-Term Care,” of Missouri Elder Law , published by The Missouri Bar in 2002.

After a stint as an attorney in general civil practice (he handled business planning, corporate and commercial litigation, real estate and building construction cases), David Purcell decided to concentrate on estate planning so that he could best help his clients avoid the heartache of probate and achieve peace of mind. David is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Illinois and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

David is an active member of several committees of the Missouri Bar and The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. He is a board member of the St. Louis County Law Library, as well as a member of St. Louis Estate Planning Council, the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He is listed in the National Directory of Who's Who in Executives and Professionals and is a Registered Financial Consultant.

David Purcell took his undergraduate degree in History and Soviet Studies at the College of Wooster, Ohio, and his J.D. at Washington University in St. Louis.

David and his family are long-time residents of Kirkwood, Missouri. He remains very active in his community. Dave is a past president of the Kirkwood Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Chamber for 15 years, and a Paul Harris Fellow and past board member of the Kirkwood Rotary Club. David also proudly served his country as a Commander in the Naval Reserve.

He is a founder, board member and speakers bureau chairman of the Heritage League, the fund-raising arm of the American Cancer Society -- St. Louis office. In addition, Dave advises numerous charities on planned giving and philanthropy.

His church-related efforts include teaching Sunday School and serving as Adult Bible Study leader, youth leader, Stephen Minister and a board member for Kirkwood United Methodist Church. David's desire to help others culminated in his spearheading an ecumenical volunteer effort to improve low-income housing in Southeast Kirkwood.

Mr. Purcell enjoys hunting, fishing, scuba diving and horseback riding. His other hobbies include reading and keeping tropical fish, and he is the co-inventor of a patented device for enhancing fireplace efficiency.