Thomas E. Laughlin

Thomas Eugene "Scooter" Laughlin, 89, passed from this life on January 10, 2026 to be with his Lord and Savior. Thomas was born August 17, 1936, in Goldthwaite, Texas, to T.J. and Helen Howard Laughlin. Family will host a visitation at 9 AM prior to Funeral Services at 10 AM on Saturday, January 17th at Heartland Funeral Home in Early with interment to follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park.
Scooter attended school in Blanket, Texas. After completing school, he joined the Army on August 19, 1959. Scooter married Judy Allison on October 8, 1960, in Kansas. Together they had one daughter, Brenda Wetzel. While in the Army, he was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Carson, Colorado; and Fort Riley, Kansas. During this time in the Army, received medals for Good Conduct, Marksman (w/rifle), and a Driver Badge. Scooter was a lifelong resident of Blanket, Texas. Through the years, he enjoyed a lot of games of dominoes with his friends in downtown Blanket.
He was employed by Superior Cable, Swift's Turkey Processing Plant, and Swift's Hatchery for many years. He finished up his work career at Holley Chevrolet. After retirement he took up gardening and man did he take it serious! He grew the best tomatoes around. His son-in-law, Jeff, wasn't interested in a tomato unless it was a "Scooter tomato", as he called them.
Scooter also met a lot of new friends when he started attending some Senior Citizen dances in some of the local towns. He always greeted the employees at Mills County State Bank in Early with gum when he stopped in 1-2 times per week, something everyone always looked forward to.
Scooter is survived by his daughter, Brenda Wetzel and husband Jeff; brother, Gene Laughlin; three grandsons, Karbin Eoff (Stephany), Corey Wetzel (Sarah), and Conner Wetzel (Taylor); and seven great grandchildren, Troy, Tate, Zane, Luke, Adam, Georgia, and Layne.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Laughlin, who passed on April 10, 1984; and his parents, T.J. and Helen Laughlin.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net