
Gary Leon Pugh
How do you know Gary? Please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Gary Leon Pugh, 85, died at 9:54 am on August 1, 2024. He died peacefully and prior to his death was surrounded by his loving wife Cece, four children and grandchildren.
Gary Leon Pugh was born on July 5, 1939 in Kewanna, Indiana to Cordelia and Wendell Pugh. Cordelia and Wendell had 3 children; Nancy Shirley (Jerry - deceased) resides in Lakeville, Indiana, Richard Pugh (Shirley) resided in Zionsville, Indiana (both deceased), and Gary (Cecelia) reside in Bremen, Indiana. His father Wendell died of a heart attack during Gary's senior year of High School in 1957. Cordelia, remarried Kenny Schlemmer (deceased) and Cordelia Pugh Schlemmer passed away in 2001. Gary's stepbrother Allen Schlemmer (Susie) and step sister Jeannete Albert.
Gary's survivors include his wife, Cecelia (nee Kline), eldest daughter, Wendy Bollenbacher (Greg) who reside in Bremen, Indiana and their children Britney of Des Moines, Iowa and Briley (Liza) of Carmel, Indiana; daughter, Courtni Pugh (David) who reside in Long Beach, California; daughter, Carrie Pugh (Matt) who reside in Washington, D.C. with their children Miles and Grace; and youngest son, Wesley Adam Pugh (Alissa) who reside in Bourbon, Indiana and their children Kacie of Kewanna, Indiana and Kyle (deceased). Gary was preceded in death by his grandson, Kyle and Gary proudly served as Kyle's chief babysitter after he retired from Roadway.
Gary was a 1957 graduate of Lakeville High School. He was President of his class and Captain of the basketball team. His skills as a point guard earned him a full ride basketball scholarship to a college in Texas. Far from home and away from the love of his life, he attended college for just one day before returning home to marry the love of his life. The two wed on April 18, 1958.
Gary worked at Wilson's Grain Elevator in Lakeville until he got a "good union job" at Roadway Express. He drove an 18-wheeler semi-truck for 35 years before retiring from Roadway. He would drive the local Michiana route between Elkhart, Indiana into Three Rivers, Michigan. He would regularly stop in Bristol or Middlebury where he enjoyed coffee and the occasional Amish peanut butter pie or an open-faced sandwich. The kids always knew to call Ester's Restaurant or the Roadway dispatch if they needed to find their dad. Especially when they needed to report the occasional fender bender while they were out and about.
Gary loved that semi-truck and his delivery route! He loved helping people and pulling the airhorn for kids while driving his truck. His years at Roadway were more than just a job for him. Putting on his steel toed boots, sewing new roadway patches on his work shirts, and getting new service anniversary pins (adorned with tiny rubies) were all worn with pride. After being recognized with a One Million Mile Safe Driver Award, Gary proudly displayed that award on both sides of his semi-truck.
While Gary was not a union activist, the union was a central part of life and growing up. Gary's mom was an active UAW member and jobs were often referred to as "good union jobs" in the Pugh household. He was proud to drive for Roadway and was proud to be a Teamster and enjoyed the traditions and camaraderie of being part of both of those communities.
Gary tried to work the early shifts so he could be at his kids' school events. No matter what the sport or activity was, you could find him on the sidelines or in the bleachers cheering, LOUDLY! Much to his wife's chagrin, he would never let his kids win at any sport or game at home. Never! He believed in hard work, playing by the rules and not taking shortcuts. You had to work hard and earn it! "YOU'RE A PUGH, BE TOUGH," he would often say.
Gary worked as hard as anyone we knew and was a role model for his family. He cared about people, and he loved good, simple food. A nice pork chop, mom's meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy and some corn on top, deviled eggs and whoopie pies were some of his favorites! He loved telling a good joke and he was the King of Sarcasm. Gary was supremely proud of all his kids and his grandchildren. As a former basketball player his only disappointment in them was that none of them became left handed pro basketball players. "You just can't guard a left handed shooter!"
He enjoyed taking trips with his wife to Maine in the Fall and exploring historical sites around Washington, D.C. It was during one of his trips to New England that he discovered his love for whoopie pies. Gary loved reading. Historical fiction and spy novels were his favorite genres. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing weekly pickup basketball games at the local high school (shirts versus skins) playing euchre and being the joke telling prankster in their friend group. Their monthly dinner with family and friends would feature homemade lasagna, 7 layer salad, garlic bread and fresh squeezed lemonade. Gary enjoyed watching sports and cheering on his favorite basketball and football teams.
Gary will always be remembered for his sense of humor, being ornery and his ability to make you smile!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society in honor of Gary.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mishlerfuneralhomes.com

