Clinton and Billie Laughlin
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A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 18th for Clinton and Billie Laughlin at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. The family will greet guests from 10 – 11:30 a.m.; a Memorial Service will be at 11:30 a.m. with double inurnment following at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Clinton Laughlin was born to Woodie and Freda Laughlin on 6/14/1929. He was raised in Lawrence and attended the Lawrence schools. In 1946 he joined the US Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1949. In 1951, he began working for WestVaco in North Lawrence. He continued with this company (through many name changes) until he retired in 1994. Clint enjoyed fishing, working on antique cars and working in his yard. He was active in the boy scouts.
Billie Hahn Laughlin was born to William and Kathryn Hahn on 7/2/1931. She was raised in Lawrence and attended the Lawrence schools. In 1965, she started working for Sears where she remained for a number of years. At the age of 55 years, Billie fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated from Washburn School of Nursing in 1988 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She was able to practice her nursing at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas until she retired in 1996. Billie was active in PTA, girl scouts, boy scouts, 4H, and the Douglas County election board.
Clint and Billie were married on April 8, 1950. They had two children, Connie and Clinton Jr “Sonny”. They were very active in the Elks, Eagles and the VFW. They went to all of the home and many of the out of town LHS football games for many years. They each enjoyed watching KU football and basketball games. In 2000, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family and friends, including Joe and Maddy Sterret, the couple that stood up with them when they were married. They lived in Lawrence till 2011, when they moved to Riverview, Florida to be closer to their daughter, Connie Laughlin Bishop and grandchildren. They lived their remaining years in sunny Florida surrounded by their family.
Billie passed away on 2/12/15. Clinton passed away on 4/27/16. Billie was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Hahn. Clint was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jack and Kenny. Their son, Sonny, preceded them both in death. Clint and Billie are survived by daughter, Connie; 4 granddaughters, Kimberly Johnson, Kristie Vitale, Paula Hawk, and Michelle Spiess; 5 great grandchildren, Chanze, Chastity, Abigayle, Ethan and Ian; 3 great-great grandchildren, Kesan, Jaylee, and Jordan; sister-in-law Audrey Hahn; niece, Jamie Roadhouse; nephew, Jody Hahn; many cousins and many many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Make a Wish Foundation and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
In honor of Clint and Billie being great KU fans, the family suggests that KU attire and/or colors (Crimson and Blue) be worn to the Celebration of Life.
I had the privilage of attending nursing school with Billie. Her decision to go to achieve her dream when she did was a gift to the rest of us in the room. What a sweet person who knew how to laugh and helped the rest of us to laugh as well. She was a rare person. My thoughts are with the family.
trmuendoes things here. I¡¯m very glad to see your article. Thank you so much and i’m looking ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
They were loved and will be missed.
I will never forget the kindness of Billie and Clint in welcoming us into the “Corel” fold as a California Cousin. They showed us what Kansas hospitality was. We won’t forget them.
I grew up across the street from your family and I have so many memories of your Mom and Dad, such great role models in life. Wonderful neighbors, if you get a chance keep in contact. I will be out of state on the 18th but you are in my heart and prayers.
It is so sad to loose two good friends. I try to think back to all the good times we have had over the years. They will be missed.