Carl Richard Laughlin

Carl Richard Laughlin, age 80 passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at Aultman Hospice Compassionate Care Center after a courageous battle with first a stroke and then Parkinson's disease. Carl's life is over and we will deeply miss him. He is now surrounded by his loved ones, who have gone before him. He was born on September 23, 1932 in Massillon, to the late Raymond and Latha (Piper) Laughlin. He was a graduate of Washington High School in 1950. He married Donna Zinsser on July 2, 1977 and she survives him. Carl proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he earned the Korean Service Medal and W/1 Bronze Service Star, Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Following military service, he worked for and retired from Union Drawn, a division of Republic Steel after 30 years; for the Val Candy Company and he also worked and retired from the Stark County Auditor's Office. He was a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Massillon, where he served in various capacities. He belonged to the Public Employees Retirement, Inc. He was a member of the American Legion Post #221 and a Primetime Seniors member. He was a diehard Massillon Tigers Fan. He went to all of the games with the exception of service to his country and until his illnesses kept him from attending. Carl enjoyed reading, especially history books, had a motorcycle and owned his own plane and loved to travel. Some of his favorite places were Alaska and Hawaii. He was a quiet and caring man. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two brothers; Robert Laughlin and Raymond (Bettye Jo) Laughlin; and his nieces Marya (Mark) Kopetsky and Christine Laughlin; his nephews James and Jeffrey Laughlin; his great niece Emily Grace Kopetsky and his sister-in-law Joan Lynch. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brother William Laughlin. Funeral services will be held at First Christian Church in Massillon on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10 A.M. Pastor Steven Gower will be officiating. Visitation on Sunday, January 20, 2013 from 2 to 4 P.M. at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon and at the church on Monday, January 21, 2013 and one hour prior to the service. Following the service burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Shreve, OH. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 1020 Wales Rd. NE, Massillon, 44646. The family would like to thank all those people, who took care of Carl; the doctors and nurses at Affinity, Aultman Hospital, Hospitality House, Home Instead Agency, Aultman Hospice and especially the aides and nurses that came into the home for their kind and compassionate care. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory- 330-833-3222