Roy M. McLaughlin

A lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Roy Matthew McLaughlin, 87, passed away Saturday October 19th 2013 among his fellow heroes at the The War Veterans Home in Jackson, LA. Born on November 10, 1925 to parents Clarence & Rita McLaughlin now deceased. Preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Gloria Ann McLaughlin, daughter in-law, Mary Ann Allison McLaughlin, brother Clarence (at a very young age) sisters, Natalie, Thelma, Margie. He is survived by longtime friend and loving companion, Anne Stentiford, sister, Ida Bunker and husband Fred, daughter Vicki, sons Roy Jr., Kirk his wife Mary, grandchildren Roy "Trey" M. McLaughlin and Daniel McLaughlin. Roy was a Baton Rouge High School graduate who joined the war effort shortly after graduation. He was a WWII veteran of the Army Air Corp (which later became Air Force) serving with the 376th Heavy Bomb Group. He flew as a nose gunner aboard a B-24 Liberator flying sorties out of San Pancracio, Italy. They were frequently escorted by the famed "Red Tails" (Tuskegee Airmen) in their P-51 Mustangs. Roy went to work for Esso Refinery (Exxon) after the war and a short stint as an Air Force Reservist. He also started his own business as a draftsman in his off hours. He retired as a board operator in the Exxon light ends department and continued to work many more years designing numerous homes in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. He enjoyed golf, festivals and dancing. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and fellow members of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. He was a fun man to be around always full of humor who enjoyed hearing and telling a good story or joke. He will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be Monday, October 21, 2013 from 12:00pm-2:00pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home, with funeral services at 2:00pm. Interment will be held at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA.