David A. Laughlin, age 96, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025. Born on November 6, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the beloved son of David Laughlin and Elizabeth Laughlin (née McCarthy), both recent immigrants from Ireland.
Raised in Chicago, David was educated in Catholic schools and graduated from Saint Ignatius High School. He continued his education at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.
David started his aviation career as a Cadet in the U.S. Air Force, where he soloed in the T-6 at Spence Air Force Base and earned his wings flying B-25s at Lubbock AFB. After further training on the B-29 at Randolph AFB and the C-97 at West Palm Beach, he flew the KC-97 at Lockbourne AFB in Ohio. David was a Korean War veteran. While stationed in Ohio, he met Martha Mae Welter, a student nurse, and they married in 1953.
In 1957, David joined American Airlines, beginning a 31-year career that took him to Boston, New York, and eventually back to the Chicago area. He and Martha settled in Lombard and later in Downers Grove, where they raised their family. David retired as a Captain in 1988, having served as a check airman and flown European routes on American’s first glass cockpit aircraft, the Boeing 767.
He and Martha were devoted members of St. Mary of Gostyn Parish in Downers Grove for 36 years.
In 1996, David and Martha retired to San Antonio, Texas, where they joined other family members and became active parishioners at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church for 28 years.
David was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Martha Mae “Marty” Laughlin (née Welter); his parents, David and Elizabeth; his sister, Della Mae (Bob) Bauer; his brother, Jack Laughlin; and his grandson, Ryan McLeod.
He is survived by his eight loving daughters: Christine (Clint Thatcher) Laughlin, Daria (Tim) McLeod, Deirdre (Mark Novacek) Laughlin, Maureen (Alberto Flores) Laughlin, Katie (Steven) Isenberg, Sheila (Steve) Boyce, Marta (Rob) Rhyner, and Terese (John Fleischli) Laughlin. He also leaves behind 18 cherished grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and his sister-in-law, Sally (Jack) Laughlin.
David will be remembered for his love of flight, deep faith, unwavering devotion to his family, and a life lived with humility, service, and grace.
A funeral mass will take place on Monday, June 30, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78230. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/donate/).
