Jerry L. Pugh's Obituary
Jerry L. Pugh, 74, of East Carondelet, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 at his residence, after a short battle with cancer. He was born November 18th, 1948, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to the late Lloyd and Dorothy, nee Ray, Pugh.
Jerry was a 1968 graduate of Carlisle Military School in Bamberg, South Carolina. After graduation, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving in Company D, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces as a medical specialist in the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of both the American Legion and the VFW.
In his younger days, Jerry was quite adventurous, living life to the fullest, from the height of blue skies to the depth of the ocean as an avid parachuter, deep sea diver, and white water rafter. His need for an adrenaline rush continued as he obtained his pilot's license in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1978 and his love of fast cars and motorcycles.
Jerry served his community as a former police officer in East Carondelet, as a volunteer fireman for Prairie DuPont Fire Department and for Simmons Ambulance Service in Cahokia, Illinois. Prior to his retirement, he was a construction safety officer for OSHA.
He is survived by his son, Orion Pugh, granddaughter, Sophia Pugh, step-daughter, Jennifer McClelland, special niece, Sherri (Jim Jarvis) LaCroix, great-nephew, Michael Hutchinson, great-great nieces; Samantha and Alexis Hutchinson, life long friends; Jim Moore and John Ruiz, along with many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters; Jeanne Lynch, JoAnne LaCroix, and June Hall, nephew, Guy LaCroix, and great-nephew, Jacob Nelson.
There will be a memorial visitation on Thursday, March 2nd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo, Illinois with a memorial service beginning at 7:00pm.
Burial will take place Friday, March 3rd at 11:00am at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. The family asks that everyone meet in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery office parking lot at 10:30am.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, 230 West Monroe St., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606.
Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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