Donald Dale Pugh

IN MEMORY OF: Donald Dale Pugh Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Donald Dale Pugh, age 91, of Murphysboro, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois. He was born on February 22, 1935 in Vergennes, Illinois to George Ray Pugh and Effa Gladys (Sweatland) Pugh and they live on the mudline in Vergennes, Illinois. He married Julia Ann (McBride) Pugh on July 1, 1954 in Holly Springs, Mississippi. He worked at Montgomery Ward, Lustour Corp., and City National Bank of Murphysboro. Don’s proudest moments were when he married Julia, when their children were born, then their grandchildren, then later the births of their great-grandchildren. Don was a former Elder, Deacon, and member of the First Christian Church of Murphysboro for many years. He was a member of the Workers For Christ Class and the 55 Alive Club. He loved and played baseball, softball, fishing, woodworking, and gardening. Another great moment was when he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for the 1951 and 1953 baseball team at Murphysboro High School. He missed his 1953 high school graduation as the baseball team was in Peoria, IL playing baseball for the state championship. Donald coached little league baseball for many years. He loved playing with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Donald also loved to play the steel guitar. He is survived by three sons, David L. (Karen) Pugh of Murphysboro, IL, Dennis L. (Vera) Pugh of O’Fallon, IL, and Dr. Darrell L. (Fran) Pugh of The Villages, FL; one daughter, Deborah L. Pugh of Dupo, IL; nine grandchildren, Heath and Nick Riley, Jessica (Mike) Hodge, Nathan (Emily) Stahl, Christina (Brad) McGee, Ben (Amber) Pugh, Kim (William) Pugh, Leslie (Laurent) Gomez, Erin Pugh (Cortez Owens); 16 great-grandchildren, Cayden, Averie, Lennon, and Sloane Stahl; Keaton and Brynn Hodge, Callie and Allison McGee, Hayden Surgeon, Brysen Clover, Aiden and Elise Gomez, Griffen Judd Pugh, Desmond Owens, Chloey and Caroline Pugh; and one sister, Judy Civello of Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Ann Pugh; parents, George Pugh and Effa Pugh; sisters, Georgia L. Riggio, Betty J. Pugh, and Melba June McBride; and brothers, Billy R. and David K. Pugh. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Bruce Pitlick officiating at Crain Pleasant Grove – Murdale Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Murdale Gardens of Memory. A meal will follow the cemetery services at the United in Faith Christian Church in Murphysboro. The family request with gratitude that memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/donate/, and/or Shriners Children’s Hospital, Attn: Shriners Children's Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/, and/or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, cancer.org/donate, and/or Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 South Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220, https://hospice.org/donate/. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Dale Pugh

February 22, 1935 - September 6, 2026