Ray E. DePugh, 88, of Chillicothe died unexpectedly at 11:08 a.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2012 in the Chillicothe VA Medical Center following an extended illness.
He was born March 4, 1924, in Ross County, to the late Lawrence E. and Myrtle Cozad DePugh. On July 30, 1949, he married the former Joan Miller, who survives.
Also surviving are children Pamela J. (Richard) Wagar, of Florence, KY and Nathan G. “Cheyenne” DePugh, of Chillicothe; grandchildren, Joshua, Christopher and Mathew (Ashley) Wagar, all of Erlanger, KY, Ethan D. DePugh and Kandice R. DePugh, both of Chillicothe; great-granddaughter, Aeris Wagar, of Erlanger, KY; a sister, Patricia (Fred) Saultz, of Lewisburg, PA; brothers, Gale (Margaret) DePugh and Jacob (Vera) DePugh, both of Chillicothe; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Ray E. “Chico” DePugh, Jr.; sisters, Mary Jane Spetnagel, Leona Corcoran, Beulah Gisvold and Elnora Coppock; and brothers, Glen, John and Erie DePugh.
Ray graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1942. He was a big fan of sports, especially Ohio State Football and Basketball and Chillicothe Wrestling.
Ray served in the United States Navy during World War II in the South Pacific on the USS Half Moon from 1943 through 1945. The crew received many commendations and he also received several citations and campaign ribbons including the American Campaign Medal, Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippines Liberation Medal and 6 Bronze Stars. Ray loved the U.S.A.
He retired from Mead Construction as a pipefitter in 1965 where he had served as a President for their Union. He then became a self-employed contractor.
Ray was a member of Scioto Lodge # 6 F.&A.M., USS Half Moon Association, VFW Post 108 and American Legion Post 757.
A private graveside service will be held in Floral Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Fred Saultz officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.
A special thanks to the staff of the Chillicothe VA Hospital, especially those in Building 35, Second Floor.
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