Richard Pugh Sr.

Richard Henry Pugh Sr., 84, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2010, at the Jane Phillips Medical Center, Bartlesville, OK. He was born on September 29, 1926 near Oglesby, Oklahoma, the son of William H. and Mary Madeline (Johnson) Pugh. Richard attended school in Oglesby and Ramona OK. Early in World War II, Richard moved with his family to California to find work in the shipyards. He was inducted into the Army on December 6, 1945. He was married to Sarah Belle Marler on December 6, 1946. He was in route to the Philippines when the war was declared over. Richard and Sarah and infant Judy Louise moved to Kansas City, Missouri where Richard attended Auto Mechanics School and Paint and Body School on the G I Bill. Back home in Oklahoma, Richard and Sarah lived in Oglesby before moving to a farm in Alluwe, OK. Richard went to work as a mechanic for Nowata Motors. They moved to Nowata shortly after daughter Shirley Marie was born. Son Justin was born in Nowata and Richard changed occupations, commuting to Bartlesville to become Shop Foreman at Superior Welders. Son, Richard Henry Jr. was born in Nowata in November 1956. In 1959, Richard built his own paint and body shop in Nowata and launched his career as a businessman. Richard opened the shop and sold used cars and metal buildings on the side. Richard found his niche as a salesman and has sold and erected hundreds of steel buildings in Northeast Oklahoma from silos and barns to schools and homes. Richard's love of antiques forged his hobby of restoring things. Over the years Richard painted and restored old trucks and cars, pianos and tables, tractors, tools, appliances, and even Nowata Ironman Football helmets. Richard was an avid fisher and hunter. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at the Benjamin Funeral Chapel, Nowata, OK. Burial will be in Tyner Cemetery, Oglesby, OK. Memorial contributions may be given to Nowata Country Jubilee Scholarship Fund, and may be left at the funeral home. Benjamin Funeral Service has been entrusted to conduct the services.

Visitation Details

Monday, October 11th, 2010 12:00pm - 9:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010 8:00am - 12:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Service Details

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010 1:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Interment Details

Tyner Cemetery