Claude Earl Laughlin 1925-2006

Claude Earl Laughlin was born March 26, 1925 in Pulaski County, Missouri near Waynesville. He was one of seven children born to the union of Roy Earl and Jeretta (Helton) Laughlin.

Claudie went home to be with the Lord the evening of June 19, 2006 at his home in Waynesville, Missouri, at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 24 days.

On March 18, 1944 in Richland, Claudie was united in marriage with Pauline A. Nickels. Claudie and Pauline shared over 62 years of marriage and were blessed with five children, Bill, Judy, Jean, Bobby, and Jackie.

Claudie was saved at an early age and was a man of faith. He was a 61 year member, and longtime Deacon of Mt. Gibson Baptist Church. He loved farming, raising cattle, watching a team of good mules work, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. Claudie's family and friends loved to listen to him reminisce about the past the good old days. Many stories were laced with his special gift of humor. Claudie was known by others for his honesty, humbleness, and always being there to help a neighbor in need.

Claudie was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Pauline, of the home; two sons: Bill Laughlin of Crocker, MO, and Bobby Laughlin and his wife, Lori, of Waynesville, MO; three daughters: Judy Laughlin, Jean Laughlin, and Jackie Guffey, all of Waynesville, MO; his mother, Jerretta Laughlin of Waynesville, MO; one brother, Jim Laughlin and his wife Mary of Waynesville, MO; four sisters: Maxine Hembree and husband Les of San Francisco, CA, Louise Garzelli and husband Jack of Waynesville, MO, Mary Katherine Tarr and husband Curtis of Walnut Creek, CA and Shirley Forinash and husband Terry of Columbia, MO. He also leaves to cherish his memory his grandchildren: Andy Laughlin and wife Paulisa, and their sons Austin and Grant of Eldon, MO, Paul and Matt Laughlin, Josh, Jacob, and Julie Guffey all of Waynesville, MO, a special granddaughter, Michelle Bennett of Waynesville, MO, along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Claudie was preceded in death by his father, Roy Laughlin in 1963, and an infant sister, Dolly.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, June 22, 2006 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville with Rev. Richard Breeden, Rev. Bob Kimmis and Rev. Mike Curtis officiating. Pianist Mary Morgan played the prelude and postlude and Kasie Keeling and Becky Lercher sang "Amazing Grace", "I'll Fly Away" and "When We All Get To Heaven". Serving as escorts were Jacob and Joshua Guffey, Paul Ichord, Andy, Austin, David, Johnny, Matt and Paul Laughlin and Neal Nickels. Serving as honorary escorts were the Nurses from Fresnius Medical Care Dialysis Clinic of Lebanon, Missouri.

Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Waynesville/St. Robert.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Claudie Laughlin to the American Kidney Foundation and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Waynesville/St. Robert.