Hugh O. Pugh

Hugh O. Pugh, 79, of Venedocia, died at 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2014, at Zusman Hospice in Columbus.

He was born December 7, 1934, in Van Wert County, the son of the late John O. and Emerald (Sayers) Pugh. On August 8, 1954, he married Evelyn (Girod) Pugh, who survives in Venedocia.

Other survivors include four children, Owen (Karen) Pugh of Convoy and Bob (Denise) Pugh, Eric (Jenny) Pugh and Kathy (Bob) McCollow, all of Venedocia; a sister, Dorothea Plikerd of Spencerville; eight grandchildren, Chad Pugh, Shonda Marley, Cory McCollow, Peter McCollow, Morgan Pugh, Evan Pugh, Madison Pugh and Isaiah Pugh; and two great-grandchildren, Kayden and Kale Pugh.

Mr. Pugh was a lifetime dairy farmer in Van Wert County, retiring in 1986 fro Crestview Local Schools after 32 years as a teacher and principal. In retirement, he worked at Tractor Supply Company in Lima and Van Wert and at Palmer-Donovan in Delphos.

He was a member of Salem Presbyterian Church in Venedocia. He was a veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve, a member of Venedocia Lions Club, Van Wert Masonic Lodge, Spencerville Order of Eastern Star, Retired Teachers of Van Wert County and was also active with the Van Wert County Farmers Market.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, at Salem Presbyterian Church in Venedocia, with Pastor Thomas Emery officiating. Burial will be in Venedocia Cemetery.

Calling hours are from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday May 27, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, and an hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.

Preferred memorials: Salem Presbyterian Church or Venedocia Lions Club.

Online condolences may be left at www.alspachgearhart.com.