Donald C. Mclaughlin

MC LAUGHLIN Donald C. Dugan Don passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours on October 18, 2007, at the age of 77. He was born to Lydia Pasch and Carroll McLaughlin on October 4, 1930, in Toledo, Ohio. He grew up on Avondale Ave. in Toledo and attended a Lutheran day school and then Libby High School where he graduated in 1948. Don spent two years in the Army during the occupation years of Europe after WWII 1952-54. In 1952, he married Joanne R. Overmeyer, who preceded him in death December 2003. They were married for over 51 years. He was also preceded in death by the loss of two infant grandchildren, Jacob and Chance Welch. Don was a great inspiration to his children and grandchildren and was the greatest Papa anyone could have ever asked for. He is survived by his three children; Cindy Clark, Jeffrey McLaughlin Carla and Amy Welch. He also leaves six wonderful grandchildren; Cassie Clark, Maegan and Dylan McLaughlin and Erica, Zachary and Landon Welch. Don spent 34 years in the Pharmaceutical industry including 29 years with Bristol Myers-Squibb from whom he retired from in 1994. He loved his career but was even more committed to his family, so leaving Toledo for other career opportunities was never an option. Don and Joanne purchased a cottage in 1978 on Lime Lake near Hudson, Michigan where they spent their weekends. It was there you could find them relaxing with family and friends. Don was a devoted father and was very active in the emotional and spiritual development of his three children. He was able to enjoy his passion for baseball by acting as a little league coach for several years with his son Jeff, spent countless hours playing tennis with his daughter Amy, and also participated in and encouraged Cindy as she developed. He liked to fish and play golf and enjoyed taking the family on vacation. After Joanne passed away, Don found strength and enjoyment by singing and entertaining and sang in the Sylvania Senior Follies for the past three years. It was there that he met Lucy Ruff. They quickly became inseparable as they both loved music and spending time with each other. Lucy was indeed a blessing for Don and gave him the will and strength to carry on after the passing of Joanne, and finding himself struggling with cancer. They spent almost every night together either dining out and singing or at home listening to music. Also during this time Don served on the Board of Trustees and for the Sunset House and was active in providing support and entertainment to the residents of the Sunset House in Sylvania. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 21 from 1-9 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, Ohio. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that any donations on behalf of Don be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.