John A. McLaughlin, 73, Columbia City, died at 4:40 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, at Ashton Creek Health and Rehabilitation, Fort Wayne.

John McLaughlin

He was born April 25, 1947, in Gulfport, Miss., a son of the late Alton and Ellen (Rowlands) McLaughlin. He grew up in Gulfport. Moving to the United Kingdom after the death of his father, he completed Senior School in Menai Bridge, a small town in northwest Wales.

In 1965, John returned to the United States and joined the U.S. Air Force, making it his career. He served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. After the war, he served at Wurtsmith AFB in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) before transferring to Beale AFB to serve in the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. During his stay at Beale, he was a flight line mechanic and worked on C-130s, U2s and SR-71s. He rose to the rank of master sergeant when he retired in 1985.

On May 9, 1970, he married Trudie R. Pittenger. They initially made their home in Sacramento, Calif., then had a brief stay in Florida after their wedding for training before he was transferred to Wurtsmith. After John completed his 20-year military career, they moved to Columbia City, where he worked for 25 years with Indiana & Michigan Power Co., Fort Wayne, retiring in 2010.
John was a fantastic storyteller. He loved to tell stories about his family, what it was like growing up in Gulfport, his stay at Menai Bridge and most often military aircraft.

During a trip to the National Museum of the USAF at Wright-Patterson AFB, John was telling a story about the SR-71 in the museum to his son-in-law. As he told that story, a crowd had formed around them, listening intently to what he had to say.

He enjoyed fishing or just a leisurely cruise on the lake. He attended Komets Hockey games in the winter, and in the summer, liked camping at the area state parks. He belonged to the I&M Live Wires retirement activities group and was a member of American Legion Post 98, Columbia City. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he enjoyed attending their various activities.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Trudie; two daughters, April (Michael) Barasch and Erin (Anthony) Boggs, both of Fort Wayne; and grandchildren, Meagan, Caleb and Keira Barasch.

A private family burial will be held at the Union Township Cemetery, Columbia City. Arrangements are handled by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Preferred memorials are to Honor Flight of NE Indiana.