HERMON and BREWER – Howard “Rusty” Earl McLaughlin, 90, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to occupy his mansion in heaven Wednesday, June 21, 2006, surrounded by his family, at his home after losing his battle with cancer. He was born Nov. 23, 1915, in Brewer, the son of Oscar James and Mabel (Langille) McLaughlin. He attended the Brewer schools. He served in World War II in the U.S. Army. He was discharged at the rank of sergeant. After the military, he drove streetcars and buses for the city of Bangor. He later worked in the A & P in Brunswick as produce manager for a short while. He worked 16 years for N.H. Bragg on the front counter, then 18 years for Webber Oil Co. as an oil burner serviceman and retired from there. After a wonderful trip across country with the family that was still home, he went to work at Eastern Transportation for seven years, first as a transporter and later became dispatcher. After the company closed he enjoyed working five and a half years for his son, Ron, at Campbell’s Bakery. After the bakery closed, he went to work for Hannaford on Union Street for five years when he had to get through because of illness. He really missed working with his co-workers and his supervisor, Sue Adams, whom he thought a lot of. He was a people person and enjoyed being out among people. He enjoyed interacting with the customers and became good friends with a couple he nicknamed “The Thursday Morning People.” He met his wife, Golda Overlock, in October 1952 and they were married Aug. 16, 1953. They have lived in Hermon since 1956. They have five children and 13 grandchildren. When the boys were young, he enjoyed being the umpire for Hermon Little League baseball. He enjoyed hunting in his earlier years and had always enjoyed fishing, especially the times he went with his son, Brian; grandson, Bradley; and his son, Dan, fishing in Florida. He loved traveling, especially in Hawaii, his favorite place to visit, and also the many trips he took with his children, Brenda, Ron, Dan, Brian and their families. He also enjoyed going to Gov. Baxter School to watch his son, Tim, play basketball and perform in a number of plays. He loved singing in church, solos, duets and with his family. He was a loving father and grandfather. His children were very special and important to him, as were his grandchildren. He also enjoyed all the family gatherings. He had a sense of humor and even through his illness he always had a comeback for everyone. He was loved by many and will be missed by all of us. He was a member of the Hermon Baptist Church since 1961, where he served his Lord and church as head usher for many years, which he really enjoyed, and also served a three year term on the deacon board, a three year term on the Hermon Christian School Board and was on the staff for the church youth camp for a few years. He was predeceased by his mother and father; five brothers, Lester, Roy, Arthur, Russell and Paul; one sister, Marguerite Wright; a favorite aunt, Mossie Reynolds; three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law who he loved dearly. He is survived by his wife of 521/2; four sons, Timothy and wife, Theresa, of Hermon, Brian and girlfriend, Christine Davis, of Hampden, Daniel and wife, Brenda, of Hanover, Pa., Ronald and wife, Shirley, of East Berlin, Pa.; one daughter-in-law, Sheila McLaughlin of Veazie; 13 grandchildren, Jack and fianc?e, Brandi, of Bangor, David, Linda, Krystle of Hermon, Bradley of Veazie, Kyle, Cameron, Colton, and Konner of Hanover, Pa., Cody and Veronica of East Berlin, Pa., Jessica and Cooper of Hermon; two stepgranddaughters, Aleisha of San Diego and Taylor of Hampden; two great-stepgrandchildren, Arianna and John Anthony of San Diego; two brothers-in-law, Lloyd Overlock of Hermon and Clair Overlock and wife, Betty, of Brewer; two sisters-in-law, Althea McLaughlin of Massachusetts and Lota McLaughlin of Oklahoma; several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. During his illness he enjoyed very much the many visits, cards, telephone calls and the many kindnesses shown to him and his family. A special thank you to all of you. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. June 24, at the Hermon Baptist Church, with the Rev. Garnett Chute officiating. Interment with military honors will be held immediately after the funeral at Snows Corner Cemetery, Hermon. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
HOWARD ‘RUSTY’ E. MCLAUGHLIN
