David Joseph "Joe" Laughlin

David Joseph “Joe” Laughlin, 66, of Connersville died Friday, December 21, 2012, at his residence. A Connersville native, “Joe” was born to Alvin “Buck” and Anna Mae Ervin Laughlin on July 2, 1946. He attended Connersville High School and entered the U.S. Army in 1965. “Joe” attained the rank of Specialist 4 Technician while serving with the 709th Maintenance Group during his tour of duty in Viet Nam. For many years, he was employed as a new car salesman at Scripture Chevrolet and had also worked at Design and Manufacturing for nineteen years. Most recently, he worked at Advantage Ford exchanging cars between dealerships. “Joe“ was a car enthusiast throughout his life. He enjoyed buying and restoring cars to sell and attending car shows. He liked NASCAR races and supported Dale Earnhardt. “Joe” had attended Garrison Creek Baptist Church. “Joe” is survived by his children: David Joseph “Joey” Laughlin II and his wife, Amanda Marie of the Everton community; Melissa Jo Mitchell of Wheatland; three grandchildren who fondly referred to him as “Pappy”: Shaina Renae, Jacob Matthew and Elijah James Laughlin; five siblings and their spouses: William Laughlin and Margaret of Del City, Oklahoma; June Ann Corum and Lloyd of Connersville; Nita Wills and Jack of San Antonio, Texas; Susie Bargo and Cora Wright, both of Connersville; several nieces and nephews; many friends, including Duane Hobbs, Bill Steele and Gary Mengedoht, all of Connersville; and former wife Linda Doulen Laughlin of Connersville. In addition to his parents, “Joe” was preceded in death by three brothers: Edward, Thomas and Alvin Laughlin; two sisters: Sarah Selby and infant Minerva Rose Laughlin. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 27, 2012, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Pastor Tim Fluty of the Garrison Creek Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 11 to 2 p.m. Thursday where memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Cancer Society. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com