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Robert Pugmire Obituary
Robert C. Pugmire, CMSgt, USAF(Ret), known to one and all as "Pug", completed his final rite of passage on this earth on December 10, 2008. Pug was born September 23, 1936 in Waupaca, Wisconsin to Kermit and Veda Pugmire. He enlisted in the Air Force upon completion of high school 1954, serving from November 4, 1954 to his retirement on November 3, 1982 with the rank of CMSGT. His military education began at Yale University's Institute of Far Eastern Languages in 1955 where he studied Mandarin Chinese, returning there in 1959 for advanced study in the language. He served seven tours in the Far East, one long tour at the National Security Agency, two tours at Goodfellow AFB, in San Angelo, TX and three tours at HP USAF Security Service in San Antonio, TX. He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6012, San Antonio, TX. He is survived by his beloved former spouse, Cora E. Pugmire of Arlington, TX, two Daughters, Elizabeth A. Dawson of Red Oak, TX and Katherine P. Parker of Midland, TX., and three grandsons, Robert, Jeffrey and Kevin Dawson. He is also survived by one sister, Marilyn C. Olson of Benton, LA, two brothers, Thomas C. Pugmire of Duluth, GA and James O. Pugmire of Wisconsin. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Pugmire's remains will be cremated for final internment in
Arlington, Texas
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Pugmire
Yvonne and Ron Moyer
December 9, 2022
Wow, can't believe we didn't put anything in the original Guest Book, Pug was our best man at our wedding in 1996. Great friend, Yvonne and Ron Moyer
December 12, 2009
Look back on time with kindly eyes,
He doubtless did his best;
How softly sinks his trembling sun
In human nature's west!
He was a man of integrity and goodness.
Katherine Parker
December 12, 2009
It hardly seems like a year since you died. Mom sent me a picture if the two of you and I had never seen it before. You were both young, happy and in love. I fixed it as a screensaver on my work computer. I stared at it for an hour. I stared at you for another hour after that ... the features that were so predominant in Beth and I ... your nose, your forehead and your smile.
Regret, so much regret, but no anger.
Rest well Soldier.
Your humble daughter,
Kathy
beth dawson
December 11, 2009
Dad:It's hard to believe it's been a year since you passed.Now,as we face a new set of challenges in our family,I feel your guiding hand on my shoulder,letting me know it'll be OK.I love you,dad.I credit you for a lot of what I've become,and a lot of what I passed on to your grandsons.There will always be a little bit of your love and humor walking around.Until we all meet again,I'll continue to call for a hug long distance.
Your daughter,beth.
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December 10, 2009
It hss been a year since you left us. When I think of you I still smile. I am going to have this printed and thought it would be good to put a little of your earlier history. Born in Waupaca, Wisc. 4th child of Veda and Kermit Pugmire. I understand you were an excellent student (no surprise there), and Homecoming King (no surprise there either). I met you while you were at Yale the first time.
It was friction at first site. But, things changed. You have been an adventure in my life. You helped me to know love, to give unconditional love, to find my strengths, to make peace with my shortcomings. You were my rock for a long time. You are missed but not sadly.
I hope Marilyn will write some earlier memories. Maybe Tom can add one or two memories.
You are loved.
Laura Lasala
December 9, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Tom Pugmire
December 8, 2009
A year has passed Bob, but we all still think of you. Your brother Tom
J.J. Henry
December 8, 2009
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Marilyn Olson
December 7, 2009
It has been a year since you left us.
You will never leave our memories.
Pug in Korea in the late 50s
October 8, 2009
Tom Pugmire
September 21, 2009
Thinking of you on your Birthday, Bob. Your brother Tom Pugmire
Laura Lasala
September 9, 2009
This a photo of Robert and Cora Pugmire from 1957 taken in San Angelo, TX. Those we love never really leave us.
Thinking of Robert Pugmire today, with love.
John Diggins
July 31, 2009
Bob was my mentor and friend during my early years in the Air Force. He was the consummate professional, one of the very best Chinese language experts in the military, a superb teacher. What I felt was most important about Bob was his patience, his cool under fire. I never remember him raising his voice. I miss him terribly but have carried the lessons he taught me throughout my life. I guess, in that sense, Bob lives on.
July 29, 2009
Always a smile
July 29, 2009
Laura Lasala
April 1, 2009
"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." ~Author Unknown
Thinking of you today, shining in the night sky with all the others I am missing. Love always, Laura
Cora Pugmire
February 19, 2009
How can I best honor you? Lets begin with your military angle. A pioneer in the USAFSS you excelled in all you did. You were told you would never write Chinese due to your being left-handed. You not only learned to write Mandarin, you excelled in it. Such an elite group of people in SS, lifelong friends. Some of your ribbons and awards: AF Comm. Medal, National Defense Service Metal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, and many other.
You took your job seriously, always giving your all. The following is a poem of sorts from your students at NSA
(MTP 751208)
On The Reassignment of MSG Robert C. Pugmire, USAF
If I were an airman I'd certainly aspiree
To be half as good as Sgt. Pugmire.
Every time that he stands in Front of his ?Class
He gives them his best, you can bet your sweet potato.
But seriously, Bob, we want you to know,
That our thanks will go with you wherever you go.
You've set teaching standards that'll be hard to beat,
In fact, we'll be lucky to these standards to meet.
So, we want to say we'll all miss you, Bob,
And the best of everything on your upcoming job.
Don't know why I saved that but thought it was special.
Now, you as a person. Conservative, caring, honorable, thoughtful, loving. I was welcomed with open arms by your family - especially your wonderful mother whom I adored.
I got to know you better by knowing them.
You were raised well because you presented yourself well, were kindly,considered others, noble.
A gentleman.
You loved reading history and non-fictions.Poetry was your thing. You knew Shakespear backwards and forewards. Enjoyed other works as well. Sherlock Holmes was another of your studies. A favorite. You enjoyed classical music, musicals, and good old country western music. Very diverse in your tastes.
Your daughters were your treasures. You showed them how to play baseball, football and bowling. Both were on teams and did very well.
Your girls thought you hung the moon - and rightly so.
We lived in challenging, interesting times and shared many adventures and misadventures. We grew up together I guess.
You were my one and only love.
your last words to me "Let's do it differently next time" and I agreed. Till then Pug, rest in peace knowing you added love, joy and honesty to this earth. I hope your mom met you with open arms and a pot of her delicious chili.
To read about some of his military missions go to www.USAFSS myfamilysite/pioneers.
Senator Leticia Van de Putte
January 6, 2009
Dear Pugmire Family:
It is with deepest sadness that I extend my condolences to you on the loss of your beloved.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service and dedication to our great country.
May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
Marilyn Olson
January 1, 2009
You are gone, but not forgotten, and never will be. You were so brave Bob. Thanks for the phone calls; we never talked about dying - only good memories, especially when we were kids; you loved that. And a very special thanks to Jan, Bob’s caregiver; she made it possible for him to do this his way. I will be forever grateful.
Your only sister,
Marilyn
Laura Sue
December 25, 2008
Rejoice! Today I feel "Pug's" spirit. It is in CT, TX and so many places.
Happy me who knew him as a brother. Last year's Christmas card from Pug is on the mantle, so I know he's here :)
Love, Laura
Judy Pugmire
December 19, 2008
My thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely, Judy Pugmire
Thomas Pugmire
December 19, 2008
Bob was one of my older brothers and because our family was spread all over the United States we never had a chance to see each other as much as we would have liked. My sympathies to his family Cora, Beth and Kathy. I would to especially thank Janet Wallace for being with and caring for my brother during those last few days.
Lucius & Doris Ruff
December 19, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lisa Moellering
December 19, 2008
Uncle Bob,
You will be missed by so many - I will especially miss your beautiful letters. I wish you peace....
Lisa Olson Moellering
Nancy Olson
December 19, 2008
I have saved every letter Uncle Bob ever wrote to me (I have over 20 years of letters and cards), he should have been a writer. I will cherish those letters & cards and pass them down to my son, Cody. I am going to miss you. Love, Nancy Olson
Laura Sue Lasala
December 18, 2008
I had a major crush on my sister's husband, when I was about 10 years old (blush).
My Mom and Dad loved him alot too. I think my Mom liked that he was tall and intelligent; my Dad liked talking sports, playing cards with Pug. Everyone in our family liked Pug. There were some great picnic memories!
Hope you can read this Pug - or hear me thinking it. I'm sure that you can. Still want to know why you married my gorgeous sister, and couldn't wait for me to grow up :)
Love to you and all who loved you best.
Fred
December 17, 2008
One day many year's past Pug was on one of his walks when he came across a gerber all in one tool. He knew I loved fishing so he gave it to me. It's still in my tackle box, and every time I use it to take a hook out of a fish or repair my tackle, it always brings back memorys of Puggi. Thanks Pug.
Fred
December 17, 2008
One day many year's past Pug was on one of his walks when he came across a gerber all in one tool. He knew I loved fishing so he gave it to me. It's still in my tackle box, and every time I use take a hook out of a fish or repair my tackle, it always brings back memorys of Puggi. Thanks Pug.
Judy & Dom Del Buco
December 16, 2008
Cora and family -
Pug left each of us the gift of good and happy memories, moments that mattered in a special way to each of us.
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
J.J. Henry
December 16, 2008
I have so many fond memories of Pug. I often think about the times we've had together in the past at Pennies. No matter how silly the rest of us got--Pug always kept it classy. My sympathies to his family. He will be missed.
Ron & Yvonne Moyer
December 16, 2008
I only knew Pug from about 1982. He was best man at our wedding. He was a very quiet, intelligent man and will be truely missed. I entered him into the USAFSS MyFamilySite as one of our Pioneers. God bless you Pug and family.
Cora Pugmire
December 15, 2008
Cora, Beth and kathy wish to thank dear Janet Wallace and Hospice for the care and comfort given to "Pug" as he headed toward his final journey. Words do not express our feelings of thanks to you.
Donna and Greg Manders
December 15, 2008
Aunt Cora, Bethie and Kathy,
We are so sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending lots of love,
Helen & Charlie Carlis
December 14, 2008
Dear Cora and Family:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Pug.
May God be with you in this most difficult time.
Gregory Bishop
December 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob was a wonderful person and I will always rememberr his smile and good humor.
Rocco Lasala
December 14, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Laura Lasala
December 14, 2008
Dear Cora, Beth, Kathy, Robert, Jeffrey, Kevin and so many more -
As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens.
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
I just know you're sitting around a table playing poker with Mom & Dad Bishop and so many others! Makes me smile - love, always and thanks for being in my life!
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