Harold Pugh

Harold Pugh passed away peacefully surrounded by his extended family at the Carlyle Healthcare Center on November 12, 2012. Harold was born on July 23, 1922 in Jefferson County, to Lewis and Etta (Cooper) Pugh. Harold married Helen Lukaseck on June 5, 1948 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They shared 60 years of marriage until Helen was called home to heaven on October 18, 2008. Together, Harold and Helen had 5 children, David of Marietta, GA; Steve ( LuAnn) of Richview ; Mary (Mike) Barr of Centralia; Debbie (Gary) Huge of Centralia; Terri (Brad) Dobbs of Centralia. Left to mourn his passing include his children and their spouses, his grandchildren Roger (Tina) Pugh of West Virginia, Hap (Mishell) Pugh of Centralia; Mitchell Barr and fiancé Ashley Bailes of Columbia, SC; Justina (Dave) Wilbur of Troy, IL; Traci Huge of Nashville, TN; Monica Huge of Decatur, IL; Curtis Huge of Edwardsville, IL; Kaitlin (Dan) Sprehe of Collinsville, IL; Megan Chillson of Centralia; Casey and Leah Dobbs. Special friend David Boyd and brother-in-law, Augie Aydt. His brothers, Dwight Pugh and Everrett Hawkins; and sister Mildred Braddy. Great grandchildren, Jack, Owen and Wyatt Wilbur. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen, his parents, siblings, Lowell Pugh, Virgil Hawkins, Leon Hawkins, Stanley Pugh, Clyde Hawkins, Grace Braddy, Margaret Byars, and Erma Orrill, and great grandson Emry Micheal Pugh. Harold was a dedicated employee of 43 years at Klein Armature Works. He enjoyed cooking. If you ever went to St. Mary’s Church chicken and beer dance, fish dinner or the Knights of Columbus “game” dinner, Harold was the cook. His hobbies included coon hunting and flower gardening. Harold never found a tree he couldn’t climb, a dish he couldn’t cook or a flower he couldn’t grow! Most of all he loved spending time with family and friends. Harold was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia; the Knights of Columbus; VFW; UCT-AARP. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942-1946, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Harold never met a stranger. He was always there to help anyone who was in need. “NO” was not in his vocabulary. He touched many people’s lives. God, family, country!! While this chapter of Harold’s life has ended and all who knew him mourns his passing, his legacy continues. Our loss here on Earth is Heaven’s gain. A Mass of Christian Burial for Harold will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia with Monsignor David Darin & Father Justin Olisaemeka officiating. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia. Military Rites will be accorded at the gravesite by the American Legion Post 446 and the VFW Post 2055. Friends may call at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home on Saturday, November 17, 2012 from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church and will be received at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home.

Harold Pugh

July 23, 1922 - November 12, 2012