Homer Clifford Laughlin

Homer Clifford Laughlin, 83, of Blairsville (Derry Township), passed away Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, in Latrobe Area Hospital. A son of Homer and Olive Ressler Laughlin, he was born Dec. 25, 1921, in Derry Township. Mr. Laughlin graduated from Derry Township High School in 1940, and was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Marines, Air Wing Division, receiving the Air Medal. Mr. Laughlin was a member of the Blairsville VFW Post #5821. He was a retired machinist from Conrail and a retired dairy farmer, having earned the Keystone Farmer Award. His personal motto as a farmer was "leave the land better than you found it." Serving the community, he was active as a 4-H leader, Derry Area Wrestling Boosters president and also served on local fair boards. Mr. Laughlin loved to watch all sports, especially Derry Area wrestling and baseball. His true enjoyment was the hunting season. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Rosemary Marron Laughlin, whom he married May 19, 1947; five sons, Henry Laughlin and his wife, Veronica, of Huber Heights, Ohio, Kenneth Laughlin and his wife, Marlene, of New Derry, Richard Laughlin and his wife, Peggy, of New Alexandria, Clifford Laughlin and his wife, Sue, of Loyalhanna, and Patrick Laughlin and his wife, Susan, of Derry; four daughters, Kathleen Debnar and her husband, James, of Queen Creek, Ariz., Theresa Laughlin, of Berwyn Heights, Md., Margaret Ostach and her husband, William, of Blairsville, and Mary Rectenwald and her husband, Martin, of New Alexandria; 17 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Anna May Clawson, of Blairsville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Donald A. Laughlin; and two brothers, Sherman J. Laughlin and Donald M. Laughlin. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the SHOEMAKER FUNERAL HOME INC., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville. Services will be held in the funeral home Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Aimee W. Twigg officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, New Alexandria. Military services will be accorded by the Blairsville VFW Post #5821 and the American Legion. To view the online obituary, sign the guest registry or send condolences, visit www.shoemakerfh-monuments.com.