William Robert "Bill" Pugh

William Robert Pugh, age 87, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away on January 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

William was born on August 19, 1938, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to Robert and Jane Pugh. He met the love of his life, Barbara (Mann) Pugh, while attending Indiana University Bloomington, and they were married on August 6, 1960, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Bill graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1963 and proudly served in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain. He served in Vietnam as a Flight Surgeon and was the recipient of multiple military decorations in recognition of his service. After completing his residency in Otolaryngology at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C., he joined the practice of Geiger, Sibbitt, and White, where he practiced as an ENT physician for over 50 years. Bill retired in 2018 after completing his final surgery at the age of 80. During his career, he served as Chief of Surgery at Bloomington Hospital, helped found the Bloomington Surgery Center, where he served as CEO, and was accepted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a distinction reflecting his professional excellence and dedication to patient care.

A passionate aviator, Bill loved to fly and owned his own airplane. In addition to flying for personal enjoyment, he also piloted flights for Cook Medical, combining his love of aviation with service to the Bloomington community. He and his family traveled to many remarkable places, including Alaska, where they flew along the Alaskan Highway. His grandsons especially cherished taking turns in the copilot's seat. Bill was appointed to the Board of the Bloomington Airport and greatly enjoyed spending his spare time with fellow pilots.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Pugh; his children Robert (Janeen) Pugh, Mark Pugh, and Shawn Ardizone (Tom); his grandsons William James, Matthew, Andrew, Luke, William Eugene, and Robert Pugh; and his great-grandson, Hudson Pugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Col. Robert and Jane Pugh, and his brother, Larry Pugh.

A celebration of life will be held at Allen Funeral Home in Bloomington on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A memorial service officiated by Pastor Tom Ellsworth will begin at 4:00 p.m.