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Alva Lester Pugsley, Jr., Age: 83
Nov 28, 1939 - Nov 06, 2023

         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.
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Celebration of Life
Location:
Village Presbyterian Church
Address:
14895 Antioch Rd.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66221
Date of Service:
Nov 25, 2023
Time of Service:
02:00 PM
Additional Information:

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. 
Google Map:
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Condolences

Debby Williamson Nov 09, 2023

I wish to offer my condolences. I feel blessed to have known Al. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Kathleen D Mussurici Nov 09, 2023

EV advocate ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I'm so sorry for your loss. He will be missed! Prayers for peace and healing to Al's family.

Walter Brayman Nov 09, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

What must have been Al’s lifelong character became clear to me in his last two years at Tallgrass when I knew him: smart, witty, athletic, calm, kind, and happy. Knowing Al and Carole, it was so obvious that they had a great lifelong marriage. What a good life he led. We should all be grateful for knowing him, and I will remember him so fondly. Special condolences to Carole and their family.

Familia Poz Nov 09, 2023

Amigos y hermanos de Guatemala ,Guatemala

Deseamos que Dios fortalezca el corazón de cada uno de ustedes por el fallecimiento de su distinguido Padre . Él se adelantó al lugar donde un día todos nos reuniremos . Oramos por ustedes siempre Dios los bendiga . Fraternalmente familia Poz y Colegio Mark .

Don & Sue Martineau Nov 09, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Heaven is a better place with the addition on Al. His congeniality and Sense of Humor puts a Smile on the Face of all he meets. We were so grateful to know Al and Carole and are Blessed to call them our Friends.

John Winslow Nov 10, 2023

Friend ,Kerrville ,Texas

See ya down at Ops, Al, a little later on. Wins

Linda McVey Nov 12, 2023

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

I’m sorry to hear of Al’s passing! I saw him and visited with him most Fridays at the Village Food Pantry. Such a sweet, gentle man. May he rest in peace with his Lord.

Wayne and Nancy Ifft Nov 12, 2023

Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Carole, With deep sympathy to you and your family. Al was a special person. He will be missed. We have many fond memories of times spent at Nall Hills Country Club. We keep you in our prayers.

Susan Young Nov 12, 2023

Carole: I'm so sorry to read of Al's passing. Know that my prayers for you and your family are with you. I have been through the loss of a husband so if you need anything, I'm here.

max calliham Nov 12, 2023

Fellow pilot ,LAKE QUIVIRA ,Kansas

You were a "goodun" Al. It was a pleasure to share the sky and the world with you. MAX

Sandy Burdick Nov 12, 2023

Friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

O Carole, Lori and Nancy I was so saddened when I read about your great loss of Al last week! I am thinking of you all and will be in touch soon. What a wonderful friend he was! Much love and condolences, Sandy Burdick

Jackie Eggers Nov 12, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Carole and Al are new friends at our retirement community, Tallgrass. But they welcomed us and I feel like I’ve known them both a long time. I cherish the friendship we created and will miss Al so much.

Ron & Vicki Williamson Nov 12, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Al was always a very positive person and greeted everyone with grace.

Jean Ann Fisher Nov 13, 2023

friend ,Fort Worth ,Texas

It was a true honor to know Al. I will always remember his passion for the people and causes that he loved. Al will be missed by so many!!!

Amelia (Amy) Case Nov 13, 2023

Many years of friendship with the Pugsleys ,OVERLAND PARK ,Kansas

We shared many years of friendship with Al and Carole starting with Nall Hills Club and recently at Tallgrass Creek. Al was a true gentleman and a loving person. I will miss him, as my recently deceased husband would have also. Amy Case

Karen F. Sherwood Nov 13, 2023

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Al at the food pantry. Really enjoyed seeing him every Monday morning. Karen Sherwood

Marvin Singleton Nov 14, 2023

Fellow Traveler ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Condolences to the family.

Jim and Karen Way Nov 17, 2023

Long time Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Carole - You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mindee left Capital 1 in October and just moved from Aubrey Tx to Bella Vests Arkansas to be 5 hours closer to us. We r going to be there over Thanksgiving and will not be back for Al's service but will be with you in Spirit! We will call you to go to breakfast/lunch when we get back. 🙏 Jim & Karen

Ron kleiboeker Nov 21, 2023

Fellow TWA pilot

A good man and fun to fly with.