Rev. Samuel F. Pugh

Rev. Samuel F. Pugh 103, Reverend Samuel F. Pugh, died peacefully in his sleep on December 23, 2007. He was an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for over 70 years. Born in Bowling Green, MO on June 4, 1904, he was the eldest of four children born to Clyde and Harriet Wicks Pugh. When he was a teenager, he and his family moved to Tacoma, WA. He graduated from Puget Sound College, and continued his education in Lexington, KY earning his bachelor of divinity degree from what is now Lexington Theological Seminary. He continued his studies at the schools of religion at The University of Southern CA and the University of CA at Berkeley. He was honored with a Doctor of letters degree from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO in 1962. Reverend Pugh held pastorates in Christian churches in Watsonville, Hollister, El Monte and Sacramento, CA. He served as president of CA Christian Church Ministers Association. In 1952 he was called to serve in the national headquarters of the Christian Church in Indianapolis and became Director of Local Church Life. In 1962 he was named editor of World Call magazine, the national publication of the Christian Church. He retired from active church service in 1972, but continued his ministry at Robin Run Community Retirement Village in Indianapolis, by meeting weekly with the preschool children in Robin's Nest and visiting with healthcare patients. Reverend Pugh was a prolific writer. In 2003 his poems were included in the New York Times Bestseller, The Thanksgiving Ceremony, New Traditions for America's Feast by E. Blier. He had many books and poems published throughout his life and is perhaps most famous for his poem titled, For A Day of My Life, that continues to be circulated throughout the world. Rev. Pugh received numerous honors and awards. He is listed in Who's Who in America, in the Midwest and The U.S. Writers, Editors and Poets. In 1977, he received the Recipient award for outstanding magazine editing by the Association of Church Press. He received the Honored Ministers designation from the Disciples of Christ. He was past president of the Writers Center of Indianapolis and the National Society of Children's Book Writers; first Elder Emeritus of Downey Avenue Christian Church, where he was a member for more than 54 years; and a member of the Eastside Optimist Club where he was honored as a member of the Year in 1978. Rev. Pugh was preceded in death in 1983 by his wife of 51 years, Catherine J. Buchanan Pugh. He is survived by his children, Cathleen Erickson (William) of Rocklin, California and Larry S. Pugh (Nancy) of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Caren Erickson, Gayle Rideout, Kevin and Jason Pugh; great-granddaughter, Catherine Rideout and great-grandson Samuel Pugh. He also leaves surviving his sister Jessamyn Sherman of Olympia, Washington, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Downey Avenue Christian Church on January 12, at 11:00 a.m., with calling immediately following. Memorial contributions may be made to Samuel F. Pugh Fund with the Christian Church Foundation, 130 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.