Donald Ray Pugh, 71, of Fairborn, OH, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the Miami Valley Hospital, in the loving arms of his wife and children. He was born September 12, 1953, in Odessa, TX, the son of the late Ray O. and Patsy (Starnes) Pugh. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by two sisters, Sheri Figueroa and Rachel Figueroa.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 47 years, Delores “Dee”; his father- and mother-in-law, Archie and Reva Caudill; two children, Adam Gene (Jeanine) Pugh and Melanie (Rickey) Brooks; five grandsons, Gabriel, Zachary, Hunter, Jacob, and Andrew; a sister, Melissa Pugh; beloved niece and nephews, Eric, Valerie, Timothy, Daniel, Daryl, Nathan, Joseph, and Steven; as well as other extended family and many friends.
Don was employed in civil service at Wright-Patterson AFB, retiring in 2012 after over 35 years of service. He spoke five languages and was known for his skill in negotiating on behalf of the US Air Force around the globe. He was a proud graduate of Fairborn High School, Abilene Christian College, and the United States Air War college where he earned his Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies.
He was a longtime member of Central Avenue Church of Christ in Fairborn, where he served as a deacon and an elder. He spread the Gospel throughout his community and the world, actively ministering to the inmates at London Correctional Institution and taking several missionary trips to Central America. Don served his community as President of the Boards of Education for Fairborn City Schools and the Greene County Career Center, and as President of the Board of Directors for Mid-Western Children’s Home.
Contributions in Don’s memory may be made to the following:
Central Avenue Church of Christ
922 S. Central Avenue
Fairborn, OH 45324
937.878.0452
Or
Mid-Western Children’s Home
4855 Long-Spurling Road
Pleasant Plain, OH 45163
513.877.2141
VISITATION: Saturday, September 20, 2024, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
SERVICE: Saturday, September 20, 2024, 1:00 pm (w/Archie Caudill)
Central Avenue Church of Christ
922 S. Central Avenue
Fairborn, OH 45324
937.878.0452
INTERMENT: Byron Cemetery
3256 Trebein Road
Fairborn, OH 45324
937.878.9700