Obituary of Merlyn Lee Pugh

Merlyn Lee Pugh, age 92, of Yankton, SD passed away Friday, March 24, 2017 at his residence. Visitations will begin at 5:00 PM, Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD with a Video Tribute and Scripture service at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. David Wildermuth officiating and Military flag presentation by the US Navy. In Pierre, family and friends are invited to gather with the Merlyn Pugh family on Wednesday, March 29th from 7:00-9:00 pm at Red Rosa Italian Grille, 808 W. Sioux Avenue. Burial will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Riverside Cemetery, Pierre, SD. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. On-line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Merlyn Lee Pugh was born July 7, 1924 in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. He was the oldest of five children born to Franklin (Ray) Pugh and Alma (Humphrey) Pugh. Merlyn spent the majority of his young life on the western plains of South Dakota, helping his dad on the ranch. He loved playing baseball with his brother Max and Uncle Earl. Merlyn enjoyed music and often played the few chords he knew on the piano while his dad played mandolin. After serving in the military as a pilot in the US Navy, he returned home to begin his life as a rancher. At a dance at the Kirley Hall in Hayes, South Dakota he “spotted the prettiest girl around” and “danced with her and everything changed.” He married Gladys Bentley on January 31, 1947 and settled in Pierre, SD. Their six children were born in rapid succession. In Pierre he worked in sales at Bert’s Shoes then became the proud owner of the Pierre Bootery. He later worked at KCCR Radio. While living in Pierre, Merlyn was a member of the Lutheran Memorial Church, American Legion and the Elks Club. He enjoyed playing polo with his uncle, Bud Tyler, singing in the Elks Chorus and of course playing a round of golf or two. After the kids were grown, Merlyn and Gladys moved to Yankton, South Dakota Following the death of Gladys on April 31, 1988, Merlyn met and married Jane Coffin on May 6, 1989. Merlyn always said he was the luckiest man alive, “I picked both girls, and I’m darn proud of it!” In their life together Merlyn and Jane experienced many excursions seeing the world and meeting many new friends with First Dakota Travel. One of his favorite places to go was Branson Missouri. He really loved seeing the shows, keeping time with his bouncing knee. While at home in Yankton, Merlyn and Jane enjoyed golfing and kayaking. They were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Elks Club. Merlyn worked for KYNT Radio and Keystone Treatment Center. On Merlyn’s 80th birthday he kayaked 17 miles down the Missouri River with his kids and grandkids. From their home on the bluffs of the river they would spend hours together looking out their window or sitting on the deck watching eagles soar. He loved his faithful dog Penne. Merlyn is survived by his wife, Jane Pugh of Yankton, SD; sister, Patty Fluharty of Big Lake, MN; children, Janet (Dan) Harris of Cohoes, NY, Judy (Mike) Connor of Sioux Falls, SD, Pam (Bob) Neufeld of Denver, CO, George (Loie) Pugh of Dana Point, CA, Colleen (Mark) VanLoh of Kansas City, MO, Jim Abbott of Vermillion, SD, step-daughter, Kelly Sams of Ithaca, NY and mother-in-law, Gladys Coffin of Le Mars, IA. Merlyn was a proud “Grumpa” of 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Merlyn was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Pugh; daughter, Colette Abbott; parents, Ray and Alma Pugh; brothers, Lloyd Pugh and Max Pugh and sister, Maxine Norman. Memorials can be directed to Avera Sacred Heart Yankton Hospice, 501 Summit Street, Yankton SD 57078, Yankton Trinity Lutheran Building Fund, 403 Broadway Avenue, Yankton, SD 57078 and Keystone Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, 1010 E 2nd St, Canton, SD 57013