Thomas Edward Pugh, passed away on October 12th while residing in the Good Samaritan Assisted Living Facility, Denton, TX.  He was 99 years old.

Tom was born on June 24, 1924, in Dallas, TX, to Homer and Betty Pugh.  He grew up in the Denton area and attended Denton public schools.

Tom joined the United States Marine Corps in 1941, when he was 17 years old.  He spent the next four years serving in several major South Pacific campaigns of World War II.  These campaigns included Iwo Jima, Bougainville, Guadalcanal, and Guam.  His service as a Marine was a source of lifelong pride for him, and he was actively involved in the local Denton Chapter of the Marine Corps League, serving as their chaplain for many years.  The Marine Corps League will serve as pallbearers for Tom, as it was one of his wishes to be buried by fellow Marines.

When he returned home from his military service, he met and married Kathryn Coates in 1946.  They were married for 68 years until she preceded him in death in 2014.

Tom became a patrolman for the Dallas Police Department in 1947.  He remained in that role for 20 years, retiring as a Warrant Officer in 1969.  He was proud of the fact that he was the oldest living Dallas Police Retiree. Members and representatives of the Dallas Police Department will be honored guests at the memorial service.

Tom became a pastor, serving several churches around the Dallas area.  He retired 34 years ago as the pastor of First Baptist Church, Edcouch, TX.  Since that time, he has been a resident of Denton, TX.

Tom is survived by his son Dale Pugh (Alicia); son-in-law Gene Yee; and grandsons Brandon Yee (Heather), Ryan Yee (Julissa), Aaron Elston (Katie), and John Pugh (Audrie). He is also survived by four great-grandchildren:  Harper Yee, Hudson Yee, Ariana Yee, and Christopher Yee.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn, his daughter Lynn, and a host of relatives and friends.

A visitation with the family will be held at Gateway United Baptist Church at 1pm on Tuesday, October 17th.  A life celebration service will be held at 2 pm, with Rev. Buddy Owens officiating.  Interment will take place with military honors at Belew Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the LCpl Jacob R. Lugo Chapter of the Marine Corps League by following the donation link at dentonmcl.com.  All donations go to benefit the Marine Corps League's initiatives and scholarships.