It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Stephen “Steve” J. Pugh, age 74, of Richview, IL, who passed away at his home on Thursday, April 9, 2026. He was born in Marion County on November 9, 1951, to Joseph Harold and Helen (Lukaseck) Pugh. He married LuAnn Kaney on December 14, 1981, and she survives him.
Along with his wife of 44 years, he leaves behind his family, sons Roger Allen Pugh (wife Tina) of Huntington WV and Harold Anthony Pugh “HAP” (wife Mishell) of Centralia, cherished granddaughter Elena Mishell Pugh, brother David Pugh (husband David) of Marietta GA, Mary Barr (husband Mike) of Centralia, Debbie Huge (husband Gary) of Collinsville, Terri Dobbs (husband Brad) of Centralia and numerous nieces & nephews, and beloved pets Dasie, Hickory, Shadow and BB.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother & father-in-law, and a grandson Emry Michael Pugh.
Steve was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Centralia and attended St. Mary Grade School, CHS, and Kaskaskia Jr. College. In 1972, he joined the US Air Force as a chapel management specialist and received an honorable discharge at the end of his service in 1976.
Steve loved his career at the Centralia Post Office, where he was a letter carrier for 30 years before retiring in 2008 due to bad health. He always found time to stop and talk to his patrons and enjoy a laugh. He will be remembered as an avid fisherman, golfer, mushroom hunter, super joke teller, but most importantly, a loving husband, father, and “Papa” to Elena.
The family would like to give a special thanks and appreciation to Breeze Hospice ( Alli, Kari, Emmy, and Shay) and to special friends, Brenda Hubbs and Essa Watson, for all your help and support.
Per Steve’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and a family gathering to honor his memory will be planned for a later date. Online Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society or Donor’s Choice. They will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Steve’s Family.
