The estate of the late Clyde and LaNelle Boyles has donated $891,000 to the Western Baptist Hospital Foundation Fund.

The Boyles were active in many civic organizations and chose to donate money to Western Baptist Hospital because of the excellent care provided to Mr. Boyles.

Eileen Duobinis-Gray, regional senior vice president for Regions Bank, executor of the Boyles’ estate, said the philanthropically-minded couple wanted the gift to benefit the community.

“The Boyles loved people and loved helping people,” said Duobinis-Gray. “They were pleased to help Western Baptist Hospital extend its mission of care to those in need.”

Larry Barton, president of Western Baptist, said the hospital is honored to receive the Boyles’ gift. “Their generosity will benefit many in our community for years to come,” said Barton.

Barton said the money will be used to enhance and expand new technologies, procedures and services.

   
Clyde Franklin Boyles, an honor graduate and recent inductee in Paducah Tilghman High School’s Hall of Fame, earned a bachelor’s degree from Duke University in 1934. He expanded the family-owned Boyles Brokerage Co., making Paducah one of the largest produce distribution points in the country outside the major markets. He retired after 35 years and enjoyed traveling, reading and volunteering with many community groups. Boyles, who died in 1999 at 88, funded many local scholarships for young people needing financial assistance for college.

A graduate of the University of Illinois, Lanelle Phelps Boyles taught school at Paducah’s Jefferson Elementary and Washington Junior High. She married Clyde Boyles on Christmas Day, 1937, and joined him in many civic endeavors. A member of the Kentucky League of Women Voters and the Paducah-McCracken County Planning Commission, she died in 2005 at 92.

They were involved in bringing the Duke University Talent Identification Program to Paducah.

Laurie Latham, director of Business and Fund Development for Western Baptist, said the Boyles’ gift is a testament to the hospital’s mission of service to the community.

“For more than 55 years, Western Baptist Hospital physicians and staff have provided the community excellent healthcare,” said Latham. “Gifts such as the Boyles donation allow the hospital to continue its strong heritage of caring.”

The foundation fund now has raised about $6.5 million in six years, including a $4 million gift from the late Wayne T. and Martha Atwell McBane of Metropolis. The foundation fund allows businesses, families and individuals to make financial contributions to the hospital to support technology, aid in the recruitment and retention of physicians and expand facilities and services.

To receive a planned giving kit or to make a donation, visit westernbaptist.com or phone (270) 575-2871.