Bervin Ellis Purnell MBE JP (10 March 1891 – 5 May 1972) was mayor and councillor of the City of Geelong, Australia.
As a book keeper in his father's furniture business from 1905 to 1917, it was natural that the young Purnell would be the Geelong Presbyterian Guild Harriers Athletic Club's first treasurer.
Purnell was an Air Mechanic 1st Class and served in the spare parts storeroom at Salisbury Plain.
Following the end of the war, Purnell spent over six months with Waring & Gillow, a noted furniture firm in London, during 1919.
In 1924 they purchased a house in Meakin Street, East Geelong, where many Guild committee meeting were held.
The same year, Purnell also supported Russell Mockridge's Olympic cycling bid, by underwriting a fidelity bond for his amateur status.
Papers relating to Purnell's time as councillor are held in the Geelong heritage centre archives.