Donald Ray Pugh

Donald Ray Pugh, age 71 of Fairborn, passed away Sunday September 15, 2024 at the Miami Valley Hospital, in the loving arms of his wife and children. He was born September 12, 1953 in Odessa, TX, the son of the late Ray O. and Patsy (Starnes) Pugh.

Don was employed in civil service at Wright-Patterson AFB, retiring in 2012 after over 35 years of service. He spoke five languages and was known for his skill in negotiating on behalf of the US Air Force around the globe. He was a proud graduate of Fairborn High School, Abilene Christian College, and the United States Air War college where he earned his Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies.

He was a longtime member of Central Avenue Church of Christ in Fairborn, where he served as a deacon and an elder. He spread the Gospel throughout his community and the world, actively ministering to the inmates at London Correctional Institution and taking several missionary trips to Central America. Don served his community as President of the Boards of Education for Fairborn City Schools and the Greene County Career Center, and as President of the Board of Directors for Mid-Western Children’s Home.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by two sisters, Sheri Figueroa and Rachel Figueroa. Survivors include his beloved wife of 47 years, Delores “Dee”; his father- and mother-in-law, Archie and Reva Caudill; two children, Adam Gene (Jeanine) Pugh and Melanie (Rickey) Brooks; five grandsons, Gabriel, Zachary, Hunter, Jacob, and Andrew; a sister, Melissa Pugh; beloved niece and nephews, Eric, Valerie, Timothy, Daniel, Daryl, Nathan, Joseph, and Steven; as well as other extended family and many friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday September 20, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Central Avenue Church of Christ, 922 S. Central Ave., Fairborn, Archie Caudill officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until the time of services at the church building. Burial will follow at the Byron Cemetery with Scott Spencer officiating the committal service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Avenue Church of Christ or the Mid-Western Children’s Home in memory of Don.

Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn.