Robert Lynn Pugh

ROBERT LYNN "BOB" PUGH Walking hand and hand with God, Robert left his earthly life on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, having fought the good fight against complications from Parkinson's Disease. He was born on Wednesday, September 19, 1923 in Corsicana, Texas. His parents, Linnie Dee and Lee Arthur Pugh were both from pioneer Navarro County families, who came to Texas by wagon train before it was a state. Robert was a 1941 graduate of Corsicana High School and entering UT-Austin that same year. Like so many others of his generation, he withdrew from UT to volunteer in the Army Air Corp during WWII, He served as a radio operator in the South Pacific, New Caledonia and Guadalcanal, spending 27 of his 37 months on active duty overseas. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in Jan. 1946. He returned to Austin and UT where he received a BBA degree. It was at the University Methodist Church, that he met Norma Bee Larson and a case of "Love at first sight" led to their marriage in June 1948. In 1998 they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends in one of their favorite places, Hawaii, and have added 11 more years to this special marriage of almost 61 years. The dividends of this marriage were a loving, caring wife, devoted children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many fine friends and relatives. Robert was engaged in the highway construction business forming and being a corporate officer of several companies involved in bridge and concrete construction beginning in 1949. Serving as CFO for all the companies for many years, he became president of the parent company, Larson-Pugh, Inc. in 1970. He held that position until selling the business and retiring in 1985. He was also involved in business insurance consulting. He was very active as a board member, committee chairman and representative to the National Insurance and Bond Committee of the AGC (Associated General Contractors), Texas Highway-Heavy Branch. He also served on the City of Austin Construction Committee. Civic participation was an important part of Robert's life. He was a member and past-president of each of the following clubs and organizations: University Area Kiwanis Club (Legion of Honor, Hixon Fellow); University Methodist Men's Club; and the University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band. He was also a member of the Ben Hur Shrine, Scottish Rite Masons, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, Boy Scout Eagle Alumni, Order of the Arrow, Cub Scout Pack Master, Boy Scout Assistant Scout Master (T-399), Methodist Annual Conference delegate, and he was named "Boss of the Year" by the Treaty Oak Chapter of the American Business Women's Association. Music was always a very important part of his life from childhood, where he sang in the church Sunday School choir, and through Junior and Senior High School bands as a saxophone player. He played in municipal bands, "Tiger Teaser' pep band, Air Corp Base bands in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Madison, Wisconsin, the Ben Hur Shrine Drum and Bugle Corps, the University of Texas Longhorn Band and the UT Alumni Band. Branson, Missouri became a favorite vacation spot, where Norma, a recognized International Whistling Champion, appeared as a guest in several Branson shows, with Robert designing and building her stage props. He enjoyed many family events singing around the Player Piano. Yes, music was an important part of keeping that familiar smile on Robert's face. Travel and camping were hobbies he enjoyed and he made sure that the family saw all of the USA. He and Norma made many friends in their travels abroad. Robert is survived by his devoted, loving wife, Norma, daughter Lynn Pugh Remadna and husband Khier; son Gary and wife Kim Bown Pugh; grandsons Hunter Arend, Nabil Remadna, Adam Pugh and wife Jennifer Raybin Pugh; granddaughter, Hayley Pugh Kimble and husband Logan Kimble; and great-grandsons Chandler Arend and Harrison Pugh. Sister-in-law, Margie Pugh, and many close relatives including: Bob and Dottie Adams , Liz Gray, Michael Robert, Jamie, Jason, Megan & Ryan Pugh, Melissa, Scot, MacKenzie & Courtney Hayward, Jimmy & Paula Lorimer, Jim, Melinda & Alexandria Lorimer, Ryan, Amber & Caleb Lorimer, Ross, Courtney & Luke Lorimer, Jack Pugh, Sherry Pugh, Lisa Pugh and family, Jack Pugh, Pat Pugh & Carroll Mike, John and Monti Montgomery. Ralph and Marian Soape. Preceding Robert in death were his parents, Linnie and Lee Arthur Pugh; his in-laws, Bea and Norman Larson; brothers Bill, Lee and John Pugh; sisters Estelle Lorimer and Lorraine Robinson. Visitation at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas on Friday, February 27, 2009 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Robert's memorial celebration service will be held at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition Blvd. at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2009. Reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Honoring Robert as pallbearers are Hunter Arend, Chandler Arend, Adam Pugh, Nabil Remadna, Michael Pugh, Logan Kimble, Jim Lorimer, Ryan Lorimer, Ross Lorimer, Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Lorimer, Scot Hayward, Ed Barnes, Don Cummins, Jack Puryear, Mike Caskey, Ralph Claypool, John Neff, Wally Scott, Willy Scott, Neil Newberry and all the "Old Guard" of the University Area Kiwanis Club. A special thanks from our family for the loving care given to Robert, Daddy, "Bop", by all the special people that helped his #1 caretaker Norma take the best care of him these past years. Memorials are welcome at Tarrytown United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.