David Howard Laughrey

1944 - 2023

David Howard Laughrey David H. Laughrey, 78, Economist & Financial Advisor

October 22, 1944 to March 21, 2023

David Howard Laughrey was born in Mount Kisco, NY on October 22,1944 to Sara Ellen and Howard Laughrey. David graduated from Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, NY and continued his studies at MacMurray College in Illinois, graduating in 1966. Following college graduation, David was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1967 and served until 1971. In his first assignment, David served as a logistics officer at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts. During this assignment, David met his former wife, Nancy. They moved to Omaha where David flew on the EC-135 Looking Glass as a logistics officer at Offutt Air Force Base. David and Nancy were married in 1971 and moved to Milwaukee to start his graduate degree in Urban Economics and Development at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After earning his masters, David continued to work for the city of Milwaukee. Their first son, Ian, was born in 1975 in Milwaukee. They moved to Tulsa in 1976 where David has resided ever since. Their second son, Craig, was born in 1978. David served as the Director for Economic Development for the City of Tulsa from 1976 to 1985. In 1985, David established The Laughrey Company, assisting small to medium sized businesses with Small Business Association and other government loans. He served as President of the Laughrey Company for 38 years.

David was a lifelong adventurer who was happiest flying his Beech Bonanza and Beech Baron, sailing his Catalina 22' sailboat, and riding his 1970 BMW R75 motorcycle. David's father, an American Airlines pilot, inspired his love of flying. While stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, David began flight lessons and earned his Private Pilot's license on a single engine Cessna. He went on to earn his multi-engine, commercial pilot license. He spent many hours of his life in the sky piloting his planes. His favorite trips were flying to New York for a high school reunion, a trip to Key West, many trips to Colorado to deliver his son, Ian, to the US Air Force Academy, annual trips to the Oshkosh Fly In, and many local lakes in Oklahoma. David was also a gifted and keen sailor who sailed his Catalina 22 foot sailboat for over 25 years. In 1970, David bought his first motorcycle and continued riding up until recently. His most epic motorcycle trip occurred in the summer of 1974 on a five week, 5,000 mile round trip from Milwaukee to the Grand Canyon.

David met Vickie Hulstine in 2008 and they married on September 6, 2014. David and Vickie enjoyed over eight wonderful years of marriage together in their home in Tulsa.

David's love for his wife, sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren was evident with every moment he spent with them. He always showed up and always provided wise counsel. His warm presence and pride for his family could be felt each time he walked in the room. David is survived by his wife, Vickie Hulstine of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his son, Ian Laughrey and Ian's wife, Melissa Laughrey of Naples, Florida; his son, Craig Laughrey and Craig's wife, Stacy Laughrey of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his grandsons, Colin Laughrey, Braden Laughrey, Liam Laughrey of Naples, Florida and Owen Laughrey of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his granddaughters, Emily Salathe and Rhianna Ozbun of Tulsa, Oklahoma and his great granddaughter, Addisyn Barnes of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

As David flies west under blue skies and tailwinds, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023, 2:00 pm at the Courtyard Marriott, Osage Room, 3340 South 79th East Avenue, Tulsa, OK.