Mr. John E. Laughinghouse Obituary (1932 - 2016)

Lieutenant Colonel, John E. Laughinghouse, U.S. Army, Retired, 84, of Russellville, AR passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Russellville, AR. The son of Earl and Josephine (Stringer) Laughinghouse, he was born March 27, 1932 in Jonesboro, AR. He was a 1955 graduate of Arkansas State University. He entered the United States Army in December 1955 as a 2nd Lieutenant, with commission from R.O.T.C. He received training as a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft pilot. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving two tours of duty, one in Vietnam from Aug/1964 - Aug/1965 and one in Thailand from May/1967-May/1968. He served with the 114th Aviation Company, "Red Knights" as a UH-1 Huey pilot in the MeKong Delta. For his actions in war and service to his country he was highly decorated receiving the Army Air Medal with 19 Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 2 Gold Stars, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf, European Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Tennessee National Guard Commendation Medal. After retiring from the Military, John worked as a real estate broker in Jackson, TN. He was a charter member of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce as well as many other boards and organizations. John was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Russellville, AR. He enjoyed traveling with his special friend Irene Edgar, attending social gatherings, and Kiwanis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jerry Laughinghouse; his parents; two sisters, Doris Eberly and Mona Peters. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Terry & Cheryl Laughinghouse of Russellville; two grandchildren, Drew Laughinghouse and wife, Brooke of Dardanelle and Sara Laughinghouse of Fayetteville; and special friend, Irene Edgar of Russellville. Memorial service will be held at 10:00AM, Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at First United Methodist Chapel (Original Sanctuary). Pastor Roy Smith and Pastor Gail Brooks will officiate. Full military honors will be provided. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 2405 E Parkway Suite 3, Russellville, AR 72802.