Rep. Charles (Chuck) Purgason, a Republican, represents Howell County (District 151) in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Rep. Purgason was the 1997 Assistant Whip for the Republican Caucus, and the Outstanding Freshman Legislator for Government Accountability. He also won the Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award in 1998.

In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Purgason is the owner and founder of Ozark Awards and Embroidery. He also operates a cow/calf operation on the family farm near Caulfield.

He is a member of the following organizations: West Plains Chamber of Commerce, Mountain View Chamber of Commerce, Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Missouri Bowhunters Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited and the Missouri Cattlemen's Association. Rep. Purgason attends the First Baptist Church of West Plains.

Rep. Purgason graduated from West Plains R-VII High School in 1978.

Born May 19, 1960, in West Plains, Rep. Purgason currently resides there with his wife, Janet, and their three children, Robert, Tracey and Cory.