Donald McLaughlin

Donald "Don" Thomas McLaughlin, aged 84, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, at his home. Born on February 20, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Travis Thomas McLaughlin and Wanda Marie Bennington, Don attended Howe High School before joining the U.S. Navy as an airframe mechanic.
After his service in the Navy, he met Marilyn Nolte, and they married in 1962, having three boys together.
Don started his career as a high school photographer for Power Studios. This led to a position with WISH-TV, channel 8, as a new reel camera man. While at WISH-TV, he won several awards. His knowledge of photography eventually led to a film lab, McLaughlin Cine Lab. Combining his love of flying, Don assisted high schools across the state by flying to collect game film, swiftly processing it, and returning it in time for teams to review the footage for the following week's practices. Don later owned and operated several other businesses, including D&D Woodworks, Lord Ashley's Pub and Eatery, and Don's Sharp Shop.
Don enjoyed various hobbies throughout his life, such as flying, scuba diving, archery, shooting, camping, and hunting. He was an avid movie and television enthusiast and had a particular fondness for dogs, especially Irish Setters, having one by his side for most of his life.
Don is survived by his sons Mark (Carolyn) McLaughlin, Michael McLaughlin, and Matthew (Cindy) McLaughlin, as well as grandchildren Sarah (Christian) Tibbs, Lauren McLaughlin, and Ian McLaughlin. He also had several great-grandchildren: Jayce, Paisley, Raylan, and Sylas. He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn (Nolte) McLaughlin, sisters Marty Kersey, Joyce Zack, and Patty Pastion, and a grandson, Travis McLaughlin.
A memorial service will be held at Seals Funeral Home, 122 W Staat St., Fortville, IN, on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Friends may call at the funeral home from 12:00 until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any local Humane Society or Animal Rescue Organization.
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