Cleates Purdy

Cleates Earl "PeeWee" Purdy, 88, of Madisonville, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville, Kentucky.
He was born on July 29, 1937, to the late Woodrow and Pearl Purdy. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Rosemary Myers Purdy.
PeeWee attended Murray State University and spent 65 years in automobile sales. He began his career at Purdy Motors and later became the owner and operator of Purdy's Car Center (also known as Car Outlet) on North Main Street, where he served the community for many years. PeeWee was known for his quick and hearty laugh and enjoyed fishing, watching University of Kentucky basketball & St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and relaxing with classic Westerns on television.
He is survived by his three children: Jeffrey Morton (Lisa Purdy of Madisonville, Debra Ann (Eric) Habermehl of Madisonville, and Sara Beth (Dale) Clark of Russellville; and one sister, Shirley Meers of Charleston, South Carolina. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, with one more expected.
A celebration of PeeWee's life will be held at a future date.