Stephen E. Pugh, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away at St. Tammany Parish Hospital on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at the age of 60. He was born on Saturday, April 1, 1961, in Hammond, Louisiana, the son of the late Charles and Marion Wadsworth Pugh.
Steve was a lovable & charismatic person, but most of all he was devoted to his family and community. Throughout his life, Steve had many accomplishments; as well as many acts of service. Steve’s service to his community began with being a member of Kiwanis of Ponchatoula. This led to him joining the Strawberry Festival board, where he became the youngest Chairman to ever be elected in 1984. He continued with his devotion to the Strawberry Festival in 2012, where he became Strawberry Festival King. Steve served on numerous boards, and was involved in several clubs including Ponchatoula Youth Basketball, Ponchatoula High School Baseball Boosters, Hibernia Club, and the Krewe of Erin, just to name a few.
One example of Steve’s love for families and children was pride in playing “Santa” for local parades, and events. He even played Santa while visiting residents of nursing homes and special needs facilities.
Steve continued his service to his community as State Representative of District 73 where he served 3 terms. While State Representative, he served on numerous boards representing his district and State of Louisiana. His devotion to the church and his faith was a number one priority in his life. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Albert Catholic Church. Steve also served as a Eucharistic Minister for 25 plus years for the St. Albert Community. Steve was the owner & operator of St. Patrick’s Green Acres Inc. and Pugh’s Florist on Ponchatoula where his keen eye for beauty and expression through floral arrangements was known by all.
Steve is survived by his sons, Stephen E. Pugh II and his wife Alexandra, Christopher J. Pugh and his wife Alyssa; grandchildren, Brady Pugh and Cecilia Pugh; brother & sister-in-law, Charles "Buddy" and Carolyn Pugh, sister, Marion P. Amedee, and brother-in-law, John Yeargain.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth D. Pugh, sister, Patricia P. Yeargain, and brother-in-law, O'Neil Amedee.
Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Sunday, September 12, 2021 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Visitation will continue at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home on Monday, September 13, 2021 from 9:00 am until 10:15 am.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 255 North 8th Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454 on Monday at 11:00 am, with Rev. Randy Cuevas officiating.
Interment will follow at Rosaryville Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
The family requests donations to be made to the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, P.O. Box 446, Ponchatoula, LA 70454 in memory of Steve Pugh.
