Larry Pugh
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Larry J. Pugh, 79, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away October 2, 2022. Larry was born in Leachville, Arkansas on January 25, 1943, to Izola and George Pugh. The family settled in Kansas City, Kansas where Larry graduated from Turner high school, excelling in Football and Track.
Professionally, Larry worked in the Medical Industry for 40 years as an Electronics and Mechanical Engineer working on X-Ray machines, computers, and networks for several hospitals. He retired after teaching electrical engineering at a local college.
Larry had many countless interests and hobbies he was very passionate about. He became a HAM radio operator and enjoyed talking to people all over the world. Larry was a successful Hot Air Balloon pilot, owned his own hot air balloon and loved attending balloon festivals. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and waterskiing.
Larry love of all sports involved playing ice hockey, coaching his son’s high school ice hockey teams and attending KC Blues hockey games. Larry also coached his daughter’s soccer teams and liked attending KC Comets games. He did not want to miss a KC Chiefs game and also liked watching Sporting KC.
Larry enjoyed blues music, going out to local blues events, and meeting the artists and fellow blues fans. He became good friends with many bands and musicians. He had a desire to use his mechanical and electrical skills to make quality guitar and mic cables for the musicians.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, George and Izola, his son Michael, and his brother Dennis.
Larry is survived by his wife Betty, three daughters: Cathy, Lea Ann, Lisa (John), son Chris (Patty), two brothers; Ronnie, Bill (Kaye), six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
So sorry to hear if Larry’s passing. Enjoyed him as a soccer coach & have many fond memories.
I am so very sad to hear of Larry’s passing. He has the best smile and I’m not saying that because I was his Dental Hygienist for several years, it’s because you could not see Larry’s smile and not smile yourself. It was infectious. He gave me and my son our first Hot Air Ballon ride, it was as magnificent as I knew it would be. The thing I admired most about Larry is how he spoke lovingly of Betty and his children. Thank you for your friendship, Larry. You will be missed.
Betty, so sorry to hear this. I’ve known your family since I was a child. Been deer hunting and fishing with Larry. Great memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting him with Herbie at the reunions and Turner luncheons. He seemed like a very nice man.
I had the great privilege of knowing Larry and going to Oak Grove Grade School and Turner High School together. We had many adventures together growing up in Highland Crest! I know he will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for Betty and family.
Sandra Gresham Kay
Larry was a grand person who loved life. Truly blessed to be a part of his life
because he was honest and cared for others. He leaves us with a joyful impression. Thank You Larry.
Betty, this really hit hard & is still hurting! You know that Larry & I were Super Buds. We had great times together chasing around
for great blues venues. We were a happy pair every place we went. It was truly a blessing to know him and have a wonderful
friendship that has lasted since we first met, what a great Pal. You & your family have my most sincere condolences………
To Betty and family and all of Larry’s friends.
I’m saddened by Larry’s passing. He was my best friend in grade school, high school, and beyond. He was a person I respected highly and someone who introduced me to many hobbies. I learned to hunt, fish, camp, canoe white water rivers, reload shot shells and ammo, build fishing rods and rifles, race go-carts, shoot skeet and trap, plus “put-putting” around on his little motor scooter and myriad other activities. I especially remember the Saturday nights spent at the Sock Hop listening to Roger Calkins and the Silver Tones band playing all the popular rock songs and dancing with the girls.
Larry and I lost contact after I graduated from college and went to work at Chev. Mtrs., but I never lost the memories nor the importance our friendship had on my life.
Larry’s adult life appears to have been filled with many more opportunities, especially marriage, children, grand children and even some great grandchildren, along with adventuresome experiences and employment successes
You will be missed my friend…Rest in peace.
Betty, Cathy, Lea Ann, Lisa, and Chris-
Larry was a wonderful man and friend.
I am so sorry to hear late of his passing and share with you my deepest condolence. Jackie and Justin I know join in sharing our good thoughts with you on his passing.
He was a tremendous companion and I treasure our long friendship both inside and outside of our involvement in hot air ballooning. He and I shared interests, including ballooning, electronics, technology, and amateur radio. I always admired his technical skills and insights. He was a tremendously hard worker and showed care for people at every turn.
Larry was a man of many, sometimes unappreciated, knowledge and talents. I valued his insight and enthusiasm. He could always be counted on and was good for his word consistently and reliably. I am sorry that I didn’t do a better job of keeping in touch after I moved from Kansas City, I will always remember him, and all of you fondly.
Nobody was a better balloon crew leader than Larry. He has gone west – flying off in his beautiful hot air balloon.
I salute you good friend.
— Steve Streiker