Phyllis Lee Fugit, 78, a prominent figure in Democrat Party politics and long-time resident of Columbia, Mo., died at 5:58 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Visitation was from 4 – 6 p.m. and the service was at 6 p.m. service will be held Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO 65202. Longtime friend and former Columbia Mayor Mary Anne McCollum and former Missouri state Rep. Stephen Webber will share remembrances during the service.
Phyllis was born on July 11, 1945, in Mexico, Mo., the daughter of Raymond Elmo and Alberta Mae (Day) Hoover. She was united in marriage to Olin E. Fugit, Jr. on Oct. 31, 1964.
Survivors include her son, Darin Wayne Fugit, and daughter-in-law, Misha T Fugit, of the home; two grandsons, Charles Hunter Fugit and Carter Lee Fugit of Columbia, MO; two brothers, Charles Edward Hoover and wife, Kathy and Roger Hoover and wife Connie, all of Vandalia, Mo.; two sisters-in-law, Donna Hoover of Vandalia, and Diana Hoover of Bowling Green, Mo.; two nephews, Mike Hoover and Nathan Hoover; three nieces, Dea Hoover, Pam Perkins and Michelle Benskin; and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Fugit her husband of 49 years, Olin E. Fugit, Jr., and two brothers, Don Hoover and Monte Hoover, died earlier.
Phyllis graduated from Van-Far High School in 1963 and attended classes at Columbia College. In 1967, she began working for the City of Columbia where she worked for almost 30 years before retiring. She spent a number of those years in the city’s Finance Department.
If in lieu of flowers you would like to make a contribution, please honor Phyllis by donating to: Columbia Parkinson’s Support Group c/o Patsy Dalton 1311 Vintage Drive, Columbia, MO 65203
Phyllis’ full obituary can be read; condolences and fond memories can be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.