Jon Pugh, 62, of Clarinda, Iowa, passed away Monday February 9, 2026 at Clarinda Regional Health Center. A Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 at the NewLife Assembly of God Church, Clarinda, Iowa. Luncheon and fellowship at the church will follow the service. A private family inurnment will be in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Jon Pugh Memorial to be designated by the family. Memories can be shared with the family at www.nodawayvalleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Nodaway Valley Funeral Home of Clarinda.
Jon Mark Pugh was born February 7, 1964 and went to be with the Lord on February 9, 2026 in Clarinda, Iowa, at the age of 62 years and 2 days.
Jon was born in Smith Center, Kansas to John and Marjorie Pugh, and was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, being given only 3 years to live. Later, doctors said he would not live to the age of 30. Though he had a myriad of physical difficulties, including being legally blind, he had a full life for more than six decades.
Everyone who met Jon loved him; he was rare in that he had no enemies. He had a sweet and gentle spirit, with an ornery sense of humor that endeared him to everyone. He also had a deep love for God, and loved going to church all of his life. He especially had affection for his pastors over the years, including his dad and brother, Paul Brewer, Steve Eastman, Don Moran, Rich Bennett, Josh Potter, John Heth, Butch Patterson and Doug Fidler.
Jon did not want for much. His favorite activities included playing with and sorting his several decks of UNO cards and worksheets that he had accumulated during his school days at Yorktown Special School. He also loved the old sitcoms "The Munsters" and "Batman." Especially in his later years, his culinary tastes devolved into his favorites: "meat hot dogs," and vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup, or especially a chocolate shake. These things, and the companionship of his family, kept him happy over the years.
Jon was preceded in death by his beloved father John and his sister Joy. Left to remember and celebrate his life are his mother Marjorie of the home; brother David and sister-in-law Nita of Phillipsburg, Kansas; nieces Jessica (Kevin) Wilson of Phillipsburg, Kansas, Amy (Marcus) Hooper of Caddo Mills, Texas, and Hannah Pugh of Norfolk, Virginia; great nieces and nephews Elliana, Summer and Samuel Pugh of Phillipsburg, Kansas and Oliver Hooper of Caddo Mills, Texas; and many dear friends.
