Thomas Pugh, 74, of Chanute passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at the Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul from complications with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Tom fought this disease with courage and determination to walk again. He had the best attitude and was grateful for all his support.
Tom was born on July 8, 1950, to Dorothy and George Pugh. He graduated from Chanute High School in 1968, joined the National Guard while working at NuWa. He then drove for Bob Lausch, transporting greyhound dogs. Tom started his own catering service for lunch breaks at the industrial park businesses. He bought the Burger Shack before he owned the muffler shop. His hard work and ambition were unstoppable.
He loved fishing and hunting along with his creative inventions.
Tom married Becky in 1980. She survives. He is survived by his brother, Gary (Elaine) Kessler; sistersin- law, Ruthie, and Pam (Clay) Harding; brothers-in-law, Tim (Bonnie) Rule, Dave (Mary) Rule; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Danny Shaw and Larry “Bones” Kessler.
Tom has been cremated. A celebration of life and burial will be at a later date.
The Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home of Girard is in charge of arrangements.
