Ernest Lynn Pugh was born in Clay Center, KS on November 25, 1943 to Ralph and Mabel Pugh.
In his early years, Lynn attended school in St. George, KS. He participated in a variety of activities, including FFA and 4-H, Student Counsel, choir, basketball, football, track, and baseball. He graduated from high school in 1961. He soon enrolled at Crum’s School of Cosmetology in Manhattan, KS. Upon completion, he moved to California where he was an ambulance driver and first responder. When his name came up for military draft, he returned to Kansas and elected to join the U.S. Navy to serve his military time. He served as a corpsman at the naval base in Charleston, SC.
Lynn returned to Kansas after receiving his U.S. Navy discharge and joined the Ironworkers Local Union in Manhattan, KS where he worked on many major building projects at Kansas State University.
On August 15, 1970, Lynn married Cheryl (Cheri) Yapp. After raising their children together, they divorced in 2002.
In 1971, Lynn became a lineman with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and soon transferred to an installer position. While there, he dabbled in his own landscaping business on the side. He and his family moved to Silver Lake, KS in 1981 where he then transferred to AT&T, working in installation and sales. He was moved to a position in Kirksville, MO where he traveled to and from Kansas for 5 years until accepting a retirement offer. After retirement, Lynn began Pugh Communication Services, a telecommunications company which he ran successfully for 20 years.
Lynn was passionate about the outdoors, an avid hunter, and also tried his hand at farming. He and his family moved to Wamego, KS where his kids finished school. He raised wheat, alfalfa, hogs, and some cattle. There was always a long list of folks wanting to purchase meat when it came time to butcher. Word spread that he had the best pork and beef around and he had repeat customers every year.
He designed and built Red Rock Game Farm, a recreational sporting clay shooting and game farm facility north of Wamego, KS. He enjoyed the sport and comradery of many friends and acquaintances who came to events. He was also a dedicated supporter of Pheasants Forever, Quail Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He rarely missed a banquet and his presence was known. Lynn sponsored and contributed to many youth activities and held a multitude of benefit fundraisers, contributing much of his own resources when others were in need. He was always giving back to the community and also won several conservationist awards for the work he did at Red Rocks.
Shortly after selling his other businesses, Lynn acquired a liquor store in Wamego, KS. While enjoying his work there, he established his off-the-grid residence near Fostoria, KS where he spent many hours clearing cedar trees and improving the landscape of his 320-acre piece of ‘God’s country.’ He often hosted shooting clay events, wild game cookouts, and also hosted numerous wilderness groups on his land.
After selling his Fostoria property, Lynn returned to the St. George area where he built his last residence and enjoyed the landscape from his 4-wheeler rides and from working on his skid steer. Numerous friends would stop by for a game of cards and to enjoy a cold brew. His friendship is forever remembered by many.
Ernest Lynn Pugh passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Manhattan Ascension Via Christi hospital surrounded by family and friends.
Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mabel Pugh, St. George, KS and by his younger brother, Danny Pugh, Tescott, KS.
Lynn is survived and remembered by a brother, Gary Pugh, Springfield, MO, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many friends that he considered family.
To follow Lynn’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a date in the near future for family and friends to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Rock Creek High School & Riley County High School Trap Teams. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.