David R. McLaughlin

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Colonel David Roger McLaughlin, U.S. Army (Ret.), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. A man of deep faith, limitless devotion to those he loved, and unwavering service to his country, David departed this world surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy defined by courage, integrity, humility, and steadfast purpose.

Born on October 3, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, David later grew up along the sunlit shores of Fort Lauderdale, Florida—one of the original “boys of an endless summer.” His days were filled with swimming, diving, and odd jobs that nurtured both independence and a strong work ethic. His early involvement in the Civil Air Patrol sparked a lifelong sense of duty and leadership, ultimately guiding him to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

A proud member of the “Can Do” Class of 1962, David thrived as a cadet—continuing his competitive swimming career, taking up water polo, and helping his roommate, Lee Taylor, to found the West Point Judo Club. It was also during these transformative years that he met the love of his life. He fell for Barbara instantly on a blind date, and never stopped pursuing her, even across great distances. Theirs was a partnership that would carry them through a lifetime of shared adventures across the world.

Commissioned as a Field Artillery officer, David’s more than 30-year Army career would take him to conflict zones, embassies, training grounds, and diplomatic missions across the globe. After Ranger and Airborne schools, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division before deploying to Vietnam in 1964 as a Psychological Warfare and Civil Affairs advisor. Subsequent assignments included commanding an artillery battery at Fort Sill, serving as an advisor to the Ecuadorian Military Academy in Quito, and then returning to Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in 1971.

The years that followed reflected his extraordinary adaptability and diplomatic skill. David went on to serve in Ecuador as Army Section Commander; in Panama, first attending the School of the Americas and later serving as Deputy J5 at USSOUTHCOM; in Spain as Political/Military Affairs Advisor to JUSMAG/MAAG; and in Guatemala as MILGRP Commander. After twelve consecutive years overseas, he concluded his uniformed service in Washington, D.C., as the Executive Officer of the Inter-American Defense Board. He retired from the Army in 1992 as a Colonel, closing out a career marked by honor, humility, and the respect of both allies and adversaries. In recognition of his service in both combat and peacetime, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, four Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

For David, retirement was simply a new chapter in life. He managed his own business, became a financial advisor, served as City Manager of Castle Hills, Texas, and later as Chief Operating Officer of Gary Pools, Inc. He remained active in his community, serving as president of the West Point Society of South Texas, and continued his lifelong love of swimming through the U.S. Masters Swim Team.

Though David’s distinguished career was remarkable, his greatest pride and joy was always his family. A devoted father to Jennifer Varnes and Kevin McLaughlin, and a proud grandfather to Alessandra Michelle Varnes, André Luka Varnes, Emily Nicole McLaughlin, and Michael Ryan McLaughlin, David also cherished his role as an uncle, great-uncle, and steadfast supporter to many whose lives intersected with his own. He was ever-present—cheering from the sidelines at swim races, school events, horse shows, ballet performances, soccer matches, basketball games, and track meets—but even more importantly, he showed up in the moments that mattered most. Through life’s challenges, health struggles, and transitions, including marriages and milestones, he stood by his family with unwavering strength and compassion. His encouragement extended warmly to his children’s spouses as well—Michael Varnes and Julie McLaughlin—whose unions he celebrated wholeheartedly, embracing them with the same devotion he held for his own children.

Beyond being a supporter, David actively participated in the lives of his children and grandchildren, sharing with them his passions for judo, swimming, and Boy Scouts. His commitment to mentorship began early, and over the years, this dedication to guiding others expanded far beyond his immediate family. He mentored nieces, nephews, and grandchildren alike, offering wisdom, encouragement, and a steady hand as they pursued their strengths, explored their passions, and navigated life’s early challenges.

Through every triumph and every challenge, David’s faith in God anchored him. His belief in prayer, grace, and divine providence shaped the way he lived and the way he loved. David will be profoundly missed by his family, his friends, the soldiers he led, the students he mentored, and every life he quietly touched. His spirit—compassionate, and courageous—will continue to guide those who loved him.

Though David may no longer walk beside us, his legacy of love, faith, humor, and valor lives on. And for those who knew him best, he will remain forever our very own guardian angel, watching over us with the same devotion that defined his remarkable life. *

* And while he may sound like a saint, he was not —and the stories from the Long Gray Line, family, and friends, are stories for another day. He was loved all the same!

Burial will take place at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY at a future date.