Memorial
Eldon Blackford Pugh, 86, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, March 19, 2015, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2015, at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Private family burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret of Cedar Rapids; daughter Lora Reynolds of San Antonio, Texas; son Greg (Megan) Pugh of West Des Moines; granddaughters Kelsi and Taylor Pugh; sister-in-law, Virginia Pugh of Cedar Rapids; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Eugene and Warren Pugh; son-in-law, John Reynolds.
Eldon was born December 21, 1928, the son of David and Sylvia (Clem) Pugh in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from McKinley H.S. in 1947 and Coe College in 1951 with a B.A. in Economics. He received a ROTC 2nd Lt. Commission. At Coe, he was a member of Delta Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Pi Delta Epsilon Journalism Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and concert band. He met Margaret at Coe and they were married March 24, 1951.
After graduation, Eldon was a Casualty Underwriter at Iowa National Mutual Ins. Co. for four years. He then joined Amana Refrigeration in Domestic & International Sales, retiring in 1992 as VP Int’l. Sales after 37 years. Between business and pleasure travel, he visited 155 countries.
Upon retirement, Eldon enjoyed travel with Margaret and volunteered at Helping Hands Ministry, Linn Community Food Bank and United Way Review Committee. He was a SCORE counselor for 21 years and involved with Grant Wood Chapter American Red Cross for 22 years, serving as Chapter Chair and on National Nomination committee, selecting National Board Members.
Eldon was a member of First Congregational Church for 63 years and served as Treasurer for 20 years. His interests included golf, computers, traveling, family, reading, investment markets and music. He had a wonderful sense of humor and extensive knowledge of the people and places in this city that he called home his entire life.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital and the hospice team for their care of Eldon.
Memorials may be directed to First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eldon’s memory.