Alva Lester Pugsley, Jr., 83, retired TWA Captain of Overland Park, KS, began his new life on November 6, 2023. A Resurrection Celebration followed by a reception will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 25 at Village Presbyterian Church 14895 Antioch Rd. Overland Park, KS 66221. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Village Church Endowment Trust Endowment Trust | Village Presbyterian Church PC(USA), Village Church Food Pantry Food Pantry | Village Presbyterian Church PC(USA), Sierra Club Donate to the Sierra Club (salesforce-sites.com), Plug In America Home - Plug In America, or any environmental organization.
Al was born in Ft. Worth, TX, Nov. 28, 1939, the only child of Alva and Ellice Hall Pugsley. His love of flying began at age 14. He earned his private pilot’s license at age 17, which thrilled his dad but horrified his mom. Al’s mom eventually overcame her fears and enjoyed her son’s travel benefits during his 30-year career as a TWA pilot and flight instructor. He was promoted to Captain in less than 4 years because he had already logged 3500 hours of flying time before being hired by TWA. He retired in 1993, but continued to fly various types of aircraft, amassing over 17,000 hours of flying time in his life. In 2007 he earned the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of dedicated service to aviation safety.
With wife Carole, he was a leader in the Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment for over 30 years. Al was also an elder and active member of Village Presbyterian Church (especially as a Food Pantry volunteer for over 20 years). His nickname became “Captain Electric" after he started driving all-electric vehicles in 2006 and later joined the Electric Auto Association. He also initiated and funded solar panels for 15 churches. Al's passion was to convert the world to electric transportation and to preserve God’s creation for future generations.
His favorite mantras, “Celebrate the temporary,” “Love is the answer,” and “Communication is difficult” exemplified his character. He always told people, “Take care of yourself, because you’re the only self you’ve got.” His daughter Nancy shared, “My dad was the epitome of love personified.” Al’s life overflowed with honesty, loyalty and generosity, and for these things he will be remembered always.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Carole Wilson Pugsley, daughters Lori Beth Harrison (Roy) of Leawood, KS, and Nancy Jill White (David) of Shawnee, KS, granddaughter Maria Kayleen Lara, two step-granddaughters, Leisha Ball (Dave), Kayla Nonnast (Paul) and three step-great-grandsons, all of Kansas City, and many relatives from Texas.
