Kenneth (Kenny) Pugh
Kenneth (Kenny) Pugh
Kenneth (Kenny) Pugh
April 22, 1936 – December 9, 2021
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 85
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Kenneth “Kenny” Eugene Pugh, age 85, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at his home in Oskaloosa. He was born on April 22, 1936, the son of Robert “Bruce” and Mary E. “Bessie” (Lathrop) Pugh in Mahaska County, Iowa.
Ken attended Oskaloosa High School until 11th grade. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Navy on June 3, 1954, and served his country aboard the U.S.S. Randolph in the engine room as a machinist. After his service, he was honorably discharged on June 3, 1958, with a military ranking of MML3.
Upon his return to the United States, he was united in marriage on May 19, 1962, to Dorothy Sellers in Oskaloosa, Iowa. To this union two daughters were born, Kim and Barb. Ken and Dorothy later divorced in 1994.
Kenny held many jobs over his working career. He worked for the railroad on the bridge crew for a time and later as well as a heavy equipment operator. Kenny later drove semi-truck for several companies and eventually bought his own truck to drive until retiring. He was known for his trucker handle “Midnight”. After retirement, Kenny still stayed busy helping do tile work for Dwayne Houser.
Kenny was an experienced outdoorsman and had a lifelong love of hunting, fishing and especially trapping. He would work all summer to be able to take the winter months off to enjoy his hobbies. He also enjoyed driving around and checking out the countryside. When he wasn’t out and about, he enjoyed communicating thru Ham Radio to his many contacts and friends in Oskaloosa.
Kenny was a proud veteran who took pride in his time in the military. He was a member of the American Legion Post #34 as well as the V.F.W. Post #2237 in Oskaloosa. Kenny took place in the Veterans Parade at the Iowa State Fair as well. His real joy was sharing his stories and memories of his life with his family and friends.
His family includes his children: Kim (Steve) Stek of New Sharon and their children – Cody (Ashley) Stek of Barnes City, Kayla (Steven) Dawley of New Sharon and Tanner (Madison) Stek of Barnes City; Barb (Ron) Witt of New Sharon and their children – Adam Wiggins of Grinnell, Anthony (Tori) Wiggins of Ottumwa, Abby (Randy) Dawley of New Sharon, Amy (Zach) Kitzmann of Barnes City and Austin Witt of Iowa City; Cindy (Tracy) Stamp of Iowa City and their child – Shannon Stamp of Iowa City; his great-grandchildren: Lane Kitzmann, J.R. Stek, Payson Witt, Bronson Dawley, Barrett Dawley, Maddox Dawley, Harper Stek, Lucas Wiggins, Stetson Stek and another one on the way. He is also survived by a sister, Carol Ann Kinderknecht of Oskaloosa.
He was preceded in death by his former wife, Dorothy Pugh; a grandchild, Andrew Wiggins; two sisters, Kathryn Meacham and Mary Lou Ver Ploegh; and a brother, Robert Pugh.
As was his wish, Kenny’s body has been cremated and a graveside military service will be held Monday, December 13, 2021, at 3 P.M. in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa with Military Honors given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will follow services beginning Monday, December 13, 2021, from 5-7 P.M. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with the family present at the funeral chapel to greet family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the American Legion or the V.F.W. in Oskaloosa.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Kenneth (Kenny) Pugh please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
