James Parke Laughlin, Jr., 94, died January 14, 2019. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, the son of the late James P. Laughlin, Sr. and Inez M. Cass. He attended Indiana State Teachers College High School and Rose Polytechnic Institute and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. James was associated with the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company from 1949 to 1951. After 1951, he worked nearly 40 years for Seeger Refrigerator and Whirlpool Corporation. James was an enlisted Army veteran of World War II who served in Europe, and continued in the Army Reserves attaining the rank of Major. He was engaged in a multitude of organizations to include being an active member of AIEE, ASHRAE, Reserve Officers Association, Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Nu fraternities, and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Evansville. He also volunteered approximately 25 years with the Evansville Meals on Wheels program after retirement. James enjoyed reading, computers, electronics, photography, and family vacations.
Mr. Laughlin was preceded in death by a five year old step sister, Ardath Laughlin.
He is survived by his wife, Marcella, of 67 years and five sons, Dewayne (Donna) of Winter Park, FL, Edward (Gwenn) of Holland, IN, Paul (Elizabeth) of Pittsboro, NC, Steve (Lisa) of Evansville, IN and Andrew (Lisa) of Beech Grove, IN. He is the grandfather to twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at Alexander East Funeral Home, 2115 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714, on Sunday the 20th of January from 2 to 6 p.m., and the funeral ceremony will be held at the same location on Monday the 21st at 10 a.m. with Pastor Karen Husby presiding. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with reception at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at 3600 Oak Hill Road, Evansville, IN immediately after the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift in James’ name may be given to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3600 Oak Hill Rd, Evansville, IN 47711 or Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. If donating to Alzheimer’s fund, make check payable to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or give online at Curealz.org.
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