John Marsh McLaughlin

Goldsboro – John Marsh McLaughlin, 81, died Wednesday at Wayne Memorial Hospital. He was born December 5, 1920 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the son of George and Florence McLaughlin.

He proudly served in World War II with the U.S. Air Corps, 12th Air Force, 64th Scorpion Squadron flying P-47 Fighter Planes in Europe. He was awarded the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign with 2 service Stars, and the Armed Service Reserve Medal.

Following his discharge from the United States Air Corp in 1946, he was employed in the Peck Hotel Chain in Little Rock, AR, as manager, being transferred to Fayetteville, AR, Fort Smith and Hot Springs, AR. After 7 years in civilian life, he was recalled to serve his country again in the Korean War, once again becoming a pilot, first as a instructor pilot where he obtained command pilot status, then going to a jet bomber pilot serving in Japan and England. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1969 and lived his retirement years traveling and enjoying civilian life.

He is survived by his wife, Lavelle of 56 years and one sister, Margaret McLaughlin in Carol Woods Retirement Center Chapel Hill, NC.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held Friday at 2 PM at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Monett, Missouri under the direction of Bennett and Wormington Funeral Home.

Local Arrangements are with Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.