Mr. Dana Tugman

Dana Tugman passed away at his home on December 6th, 2013. Born March 31st 1927 in Watauga County, to Grady and Margaret Tugman, he graduated from Appalachian High School in 1943. Mr. Tugman graduated from NC State with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal husbandry in 1949, but his college career was interrupted when he joined the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. Upon graduation, Dana moved to Ashe County to become an Assistant County Agent in 1949 and served as the County Agent from 1950 to June 30th, 1952. He was appointed Superintendent of the Upper Mountain Research Station July 1st 1952, where he remained until his retirement on June 30th 1988.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Tugman was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Earl Tugman. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Mary Gordon Austin Tugman. Also surviving are his children, Dana Gordon Tugman Colvard (Shane) and Neal Austin Tugman (Sarah). Also surviving are grandchildren Ashley Brynn Tugman Hinton (Forrest), Nathan Davis Colvard, Chelsea Gordon Colvard, Amanda Neal Tugman, and Mary-Austin Jones Tugman. He is survived by one brother, Stuart Tugman (Linda) of Greensboro, NC. Mr. Tugman is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

An active member of Jefferson United Methodist Church since 1950, Mr. Tugman served in many capacities, including Sunday school teacher, chairman of the administrative board, chairman of the finance committee, and chairman of the trustees. He served as a Lay Leader from 1974 to 1991.

In addition, Mr. Tugman contributed to his community through numerous organizations including the NC Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, the Jefferson Rotary Club, The North Carolina Cattlemen's Association, Ashe Civic Center Board, Ashe Partnership for Children, and the State Employees Credit Union. Mr. Tugman served on the Board of SkyLine Telephone from 1970 to 1988; he was a trustee at Ashe Memorial Hospital from 1982 to 2009, serving as President for fourteen years. Mr. Tugman served on the Board of Ashe Services for Aging from 1995 to 2013; he was chairperson during his tenure on that Board.

Mr. Tugman was elected to the Board of Alderman for the town of Jefferson in 1993 and served until 1999 when he was elected Mayor serving until November 25th, 2013, when he resigned due to his health. In addition, he served on the Region D Council of Government from 1995 to 2013.

On November 26, 2013, Mr. Tugman was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the Governor and the State of North Carolina for his many contributions to his community.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, December the 9th at 2:00 at Jefferson United Methodist Church with Reverend Karen Miller and Reverend Thomas Griffis officiating. Burial will follow at the Jefferson City Cemetery. Visitation will be at Badger Funeral Home in West Jefferson, prior to the funeral from 11:00 to 1:30. Memorials may be made to Ashe Services for Aging, 180 Chattyrob Lane, West Jefferson NC 28694 or Jefferson United Methodist Church, at PO Box 236 Jefferson NC 28640.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.

Badger Funeral Home was entrusted with Mr. Tugman's arrangements.

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