Lee W. Mclaughlin
December 4, 1941 — January 9, 2008
Lee William McLaughlin, son of Willard and Emma Caroline (Robinson) McLaughlin, was born on December 4, 1941 in Council Bluffs, Iowa and baptized at the Tennant Methodist Church. Lee was a member of the last class to graduate from Tennant High School in 1960.
On August 24, 1962, Lee was united in marriage to Marie Nielsen at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Defiance, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Scott, Mark, and Jay. After their marriage, they traveled to Waco, Texas, where Lee was to await orders from the United Air Force. Marie was enrolled at the Baylor University, while Lee was in training at James Conley Air Force Base. He then continued training in the air force in Portland, Oregon and then returned to Shelby County where he was engaged in farming with his father-in-law, Alfred Nielsen, near Defiance, Iowa. Lee did however, continue both his military and civilian education attending Radar Intercept School and Navigator School within the Iowa Air National Guard completing his undergraduate navigator training in November 1963. He served his country for six years receiving the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster and was a small arms expert marksman. During his time in the Iowa Air National Guard, Lee flew F89 Scorpion jets and was commissioned a First Lieutenant. He was also introduced to flying private airplanes. He was proud to own and fly his own twin Comanche B N9783Y. His private airplane experience included treasurer and longtime member of the Midstates International Comanche Society, whose goal was to support historical Comanche aircraft.
Lee served for many years on the REC Board of Directors; he was active in his church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, the administrative board, and was a junior high fellowship leader. Lee�s objective in his life was to reach beyond the community, especially in regard to learning. This is evident as he continued his education at Iowa State University in Ames where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Farm Operations. His education in the agricultural field was well put to use as Lee became a successful farmer and eventually partnered with his son, Scott. He was known to say that for him work was play and play was his work.
A special joy for Lee was his ability to relax with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Lee died on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, as a result of a vehicle accident near his home, having attained the age of sixty-six years, one month, and five days. He is preceded in death by his father.
Lee is survived by his wife Marie of Defiance, Iowa; their children: Scott and his wife Shawn of Defiance; Mark and his wife Christy of Ankeny, Iowa; and Jay of Manning, Iowa; his mother Emma Caroline of Shelby; six grandchildren; one sister Caroline and her husband Gary Schmitz of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, January 12, 2008, at United Methodist Church in Irwin, Iowa. Pastor Keith Pals officiated the 1:30 PM service with burial at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Gary Hall, Lloyd Robinson, Steve Gawley, Richard Ferry, Lyle Campbell, and Eugene Monson.
PDF Printable Version
On August 24, 1962, Lee was united in marriage to Marie Nielsen at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Defiance, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Scott, Mark, and Jay. After their marriage, they traveled to Waco, Texas, where Lee was to await orders from the United Air Force. Marie was enrolled at the Baylor University, while Lee was in training at James Conley Air Force Base. He then continued training in the air force in Portland, Oregon and then returned to Shelby County where he was engaged in farming with his father-in-law, Alfred Nielsen, near Defiance, Iowa. Lee did however, continue both his military and civilian education attending Radar Intercept School and Navigator School within the Iowa Air National Guard completing his undergraduate navigator training in November 1963. He served his country for six years receiving the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster and was a small arms expert marksman. During his time in the Iowa Air National Guard, Lee flew F89 Scorpion jets and was commissioned a First Lieutenant. He was also introduced to flying private airplanes. He was proud to own and fly his own twin Comanche B N9783Y. His private airplane experience included treasurer and longtime member of the Midstates International Comanche Society, whose goal was to support historical Comanche aircraft.
Lee served for many years on the REC Board of Directors; he was active in his church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, the administrative board, and was a junior high fellowship leader. Lee�s objective in his life was to reach beyond the community, especially in regard to learning. This is evident as he continued his education at Iowa State University in Ames where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Farm Operations. His education in the agricultural field was well put to use as Lee became a successful farmer and eventually partnered with his son, Scott. He was known to say that for him work was play and play was his work.
A special joy for Lee was his ability to relax with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Lee died on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, as a result of a vehicle accident near his home, having attained the age of sixty-six years, one month, and five days. He is preceded in death by his father.
Lee is survived by his wife Marie of Defiance, Iowa; their children: Scott and his wife Shawn of Defiance; Mark and his wife Christy of Ankeny, Iowa; and Jay of Manning, Iowa; his mother Emma Caroline of Shelby; six grandchildren; one sister Caroline and her husband Gary Schmitz of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, January 12, 2008, at United Methodist Church in Irwin, Iowa. Pastor Keith Pals officiated the 1:30 PM service with burial at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Gary Hall, Lloyd Robinson, Steve Gawley, Richard Ferry, Lyle Campbell, and Eugene Monson.
PDF Printable Version
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lee W. Mclaughlin, please visit our flower store.