David Lee Pugh

1946 - 2025

David Lee Pugh passed away on June 16, 2025, at the age of 79. He was welcomed into the world on April 16, 1946, in Pittsburg KS, by his Father Dave D. Pugh and his Mother Ann Katherine Pugh (Lowry). The young family would soon after, move to Superior, WY, and then to God's beautiful high-country of Leadville, CO. He was the eldest of three children. This is where his family resided throughout his adventurous and mischievous boyhood. This majestic, rugged, sometimes unforgiving, location filled him with an appreciation for the natural wonders and fostered a sense of good-stewardship, self-sufficiency and determination. In 1964 Dave graduated from Lake County High School in Leadville. He was diplomatic, had a spirit of overcoming, and a wildly keen sense of humor that kept all of us on our toes and smiling even through adverse times.

His decision to serve our Nation came on April 5, 1965, when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his time of service, he served a tour in Pleiku, Vietnam and was stationed at several other bases before being discharged from active duty on December 4, 1968. He continued his service state-side at Mountain Home AFB until his honorable discharge from USAF on April 4, 1971. Thank you, Dad for your service, duty, and loyalty to our Nation and your family and friends.

Dave married Janet Mae Cooper in Lucile, ID on August 6, 1967. Dad would always say, " you gotta dance with the girl what brung ya." The two of them "danced" for over 51 years until Janet was called home to God in December of 2018. They made a home for their family in Boise, and one-by-one added five treasured and beloved children, Kristi, Jodi, Kelli, Darci, and David, to round out the Pugh family.

Dad had a wide range of talents and hobbies that included gardening, fishing, golf, playing cribbage, and many fun-filled trips to Jackpot. He generously shared his knowledge, passion, and positivity with all of us. Thank you, Dad.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife Janet and his Son David Russell Pugh in 2014, as well as his parents and treasured in-laws, Russell and Adeline Cooper. He is survived by his daughters Kristi (Rod) Brevig, Jodi (Mick) Handler, Kelli Walts, and Darci Mills. His grandchildren Isaak (Ashley) Day, Timothy Day, Ashlee (Dylan) Sword, Emilee (Donovan) Handler, Hailee Handler, Russell Handler, Madisyn (Ian) Sarbacker, Elisybeth Walts, Rees (Brittany) Mills, and Mkynzi Mills. His great grandkids Rylan and Olivia Sword, Isabelle Elliott, Everett "Evee" Jankowski, and Myles Sarbacker. We will all miss him beyond measure. He also leaves behind his brother Norman (Roswitha), sister Mariann (Pete), his most special cousin Sally Romero, Sisters-In-law Chris (Gary) Phillips, Jean (Sonny) DeWitt and Virginia Seid, brother-in-law Larry (Linda) Cooper, and his very dearest friends Gregg and Liz Ewing, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dad would want us to remember a few words of wisdom., "You can't throw mud without losing ground" and in life "everything fits like socks on a rooster." He will "see us next time he looks at us" and we know where that will be, as he always said, "I'll see you in the Funny Papers!"

We extend much gratitude to the Doctors and staff at the VA Medical Center and to Horizon Home Health & Hospice for their compassion, support, and exemplary care of not only our dad, but for us as well. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery,10100 Horseshoe Bend RD. in Boise, Idaho. A Barbecue Reception will follow the service at the home of his daughter, Kelli Walts 1314 W. Fairwood Dr. Meridian, ID.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of David Lee Pugh, to a Veteran charity of your choice.