Thomas Dean Laughlin

Tom and his 2 brothers had a great love for music and would pick up any stringed instrument and taught themselves to play. They were known as the Musical Laughlins, between the three of them they could play 11 instruments. It was through his singing and music that he met his wife Barbara when his group won a competition in her hometown. Tom and Barb were married in May of 1951 and had their first born son, Gary in May of 1952, their daughter Brenda was born three years later.

A short time after they were married at the close of a church service, the pastor approached Tom and said: he thought that Tom probably wanted to come forward and accept Christ. Tom said “yes but I don’t know how to pray” but Tom went forward and a new chapter in his life began. He took his music to church and his gifts and talents were always available to be used wherever they were needed.

Tom was always kind and caring toward anyone he knew and he had the same heart for those he had just met. He made friends easily and shortly after meeting them would be hearing their life story.

When he and Barbara first moved to Des Moines he had several jobs before settling in at Plumb Supply Co. He started sweeping floors and ended his career there as assistant to the Vice President of marketing. He worked at Plumbs for many years where he LOVED his work! Tom then launched out and started his own factory rep agency: Laughlin Sales Co, which he sold when he was getting ready to retire.

One of Tom’s greatest joys was having his son Gary work alongside him at Laughlin Sales.

Tom’s love of music and playing his banjo was a blessing to him and others up through his last days.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Lee and Susan Laughlin, his brother Robert and Shelby Laughlin, his son Gary Laughlin, and his granddaughter Jessica LeLaCheur.

His remaining family is: his brother Dave and Pat Laughlin , his beloved wife of 70 years Barbara Ann Laughlin, his daughter Brenda and Dan LeLaCheur, his grandchildren in which he delighted: Nicole, Justin and Mandy, Joel Ragan and Summer, Collett and Peter, Megan, and Brendan and Emilie. He also rejoiced in 15 great grandchildren!

Tom lived a life that touched and made a difference for many which was also a tribute to his faith and the Kingdom of God.

He will be missed by many but never forgotten.

Because Tom belongs to Jesus: he truly does rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at First Church of the Open Bible on Thursday Oct 21 at 1 pm. The family will be receiving guests with refreshments provided following the service.