Tommy McLaughlin

Tommy McLaughlin passed away on January 25, 2025, in Midland, Texas at the age of 96.

Tommy was born in LaFors, Texas, on June 23, 1928. He was a graduate of Pampa High School in Pampa, Texas. He attended Texas Tech and upon graduation, he enlisted into the Air Force. His military career included being stationed and working at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and was able to travel to many parts of the world throughout his Air Force career. After the military, he settled in the west Texas town of Midland, TX and began his career in the oil industry, working with Texaco Oil and moving on to BTA Oil.

As a young adult, he was a member of the YMCA and a single young adult group where he met life-long friends. He met his love, Beth, through a mutual friend at Johnny's BBQ in 1959. They were married in September 1961.

Tommy was an active member of his church where he taught the 3-year-old class. He was a board member for the YMCA. Tommy had a love for antiques. He loved collecting kerosene/Aladdin lamps with his neighbor, Gene Corgill. He had a love for the Fort Davis/ Alpine area where he enjoyed camping with family friends: Leroy and Sandra Wagner and their sons Ross and Barry. He also loved to travel to different states on summer vacations with his family, visiting historic sites, family and old friends. Family was very important to Tommy, and he placed great importance on family gatherings during the holidays. He loved riding his bicycle and he rode it to work until the day he retired. After retiring, Tommy enjoyed the leisure life of hanging out at home, enjoying his wife, kids, grandkids and his dogs. 

Tommy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Verbeth Carol (Allen) McLaughlin; his daughter Sharla Thompson and son-in-law Mark Thompson; his daughter Sharon Sullivan and son-in-law David Sullivan, their daughters Aly Burton and husband Josh Burton and their children Avery, Luke, Reigni, Royal and Rori; daughter Laney Sullivan, and her daughter Kinsley, and soon-to-be son. 

Visitation is Friday, February 7, 2025, from 10:00am-11:30am at First United Methodist Church, 300 North Main St, Midland Texas, 79701. Services to follow visitation at 11:30am. Graveside following services at 1:00pm at Resthaven Memorial Park at 4616 North Big Spring St, Midland, Texas 79705. Flowers may be sent the day of services to First United Methodist Church.

He will be missed greatly by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as family and many friends.