PRINCETON, Ind. — Jesse "Ed" Pugh, 87, passed away on Friday August 21, 2009, at River Oaks Health Campus in Princeton. He was born November 16, 1921 in Francisco to Hoyt and Fannie (Burnes) Pugh. He was employed at Emge Packing Company for 33 years, owned his own excavation company for a number of years. Jesse, known to his family and some friends as "Ed," was a noted musician who entertained with his dance band, The Rhythm Kings at various service clubs around the tri-state area. Mr. Pugh was a life member of the VFW 1147 and served with the U.S. Army during World War II as a truck driver and was recognized with 3 bronze stars, WW II victory ribbon, good conduct ribbon and EAME Theater ribbon. Prior to the military, Jesse was with the CCC working in the Worthington, Indiana area.

Survivors are two daughters, Lois "Jeanne" Bishop and husband, Jim, of Patoka and Rexene Lashbrook and husband, Roger, of Princeton; two sons, William Pugh and wife, Linda, of Princeton and Karl Pugh and friend, Pat Chamberlain, of Patoka; eight grandchildren, Marty Bishop, Frances Bishop, Timothy Pugh, Jason Pugh, Laura Edwards, Teresa Edwards, Travis Lashbrook and Amanda Owen; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two sisters, Laverne Scott of Evansville and Eva Mae Terry of Francisco; one brother, Raymond Sam Pugh of Sommerfield, Florida; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances Graper Pugh in November, 2004; two sisters, Florence Schmits and Drucie Terry, and two brothers, Richard and Claude Pugh.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with Rev. Greg Davis officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Colvin Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Providence Cemetery near Francisco. VFW 1147 will provide full military rites at the cemetery.