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CHARLES WILLIAM PUGH
March 28, 1921 ~ March 3, 2013
Charles William Pugh died peacefully surrounded by his loving wife Bonnie and daughters on March 3, 2013.
Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Kittye Harris Pugh Kilgore; his step-father, David Milton Kilgore; his father, Felton Pugh; his three brothers, Louie Kilgore, Boots (Milton) Kilgore and Jack Kilgore; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Ross Pugh; and his four daughters, Geneva Hawkins (Jeffery), Roberta Pugh, Jacallyn Jones (Wayne) and Pamela Slasor.
His greatest pride came from the legacy of his descendants. He has left behind 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild soon to arrive.
Charles was born in St. Clair County, Ragland, Alabama on March 28, 1921 and left home at age 15.
During those years of the depression he traveled cross country to Eugene, Oregon where he worked in the CCC Camps to assist in the support of his mother and three brothers left at home.
During WWII, he served in three of the four branches of the military. He was awarded four Bronze Stars and distinguished himself as a pilot, an expert marksman and a member of the military police guarding prisoners during the Nuremburg trials. He saw action throughout Germany, France, Italy, Africa and the Middle East.
Charles always had a thirst for information. He was a voracious reader and although he only finished 3rd grade he taught himself to read and write and in the 1960's he attended Clark College Adult Education courses.
Charles was an expert wood worker and loved the beauty found in fine grain woods. He loved the experience of taking raw materials and creating a thing of beauty. His kitchen cabinets were works of art, still being enjoyed today.
He loved the great outdoors and especially hunting and fishing. The beautiful mountains of the Pacific NW are what drew him back to this area after WWII.
He is loved and missed by his family and friends.
Memorial services will be held at the LDS Chapel, 14219 NE 49th Street, Vancouver, WA 98662, Friday, March 8th at 1:30 p.m., with viewing beginning from 12:30 until 1. Viewing also at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Thursday from 12 until 9 p.m.
Please sign Charles's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
hunter hawkins
March 11, 2013
I have some wonderful memories of him when I was young. We will miss him and his one of a kind hand shake that he gave to everyone. We love you grandpa.
Jared Hawkins
March 6, 2013
So sorry for your loss - he was a real pistol!! I didnt know about all of his military service - how wonderful. Hugs to Bonnie.
Pam Haynes
March 6, 2013
Paula Elliott and family...I am amazed at all the military service Charlie provided. I love his daughters and grandchildren...he has left an amazing legacy. May all of his family be blessed with the best memories.
March 6, 2013
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