Roll Call Tribute

John Wesley Laughlin 

July 13, 1946 - December 22, 2025 

John Wesley Laughlin was born in West Columbia, Texas on July 13, 1946 and passed away in Big Spring, Texas on December 22, 2025. He was the son of Dean & Mildred Laughlin. Raised in West Columbia, John graduated from Columbia High School in 1964 and was active in the Columbia Methodist Church having 12 years of perfect Sunday School attendance. John, along with his three brothers were active in the Boy Scouts earning not only his Eagle Scout Award, God & Country Award, Order of the Arrow and served on the Camp Karankawa staff.

At Texas A&M University, John was a member of the Corps of Cadets graduating in 1968 with a degree in Accounting and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves Military Police Branch. John started his military duty at Ft. Gordon, Georgia and then was assigned to a Military Police unit in Germany. After completing his duty in Germany, John was assigned to a Military Police Battalion in Viet Nam. While serving in Viet Nam, John earned the Bronze Star and was promoted to Captain. Upon completing his duty in Viet Nam, John was Honorable Discharged and returned to his CPA practice in Houston where he worked for over 50 years.

John was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his brothers Greg & his wife Marcia, Mike & his wife Kitty, Charles & his wife Elizabeth, and his sister Ellen Laughlin. He is survived by his nieces Mary Newcomb & husband Robert; Michelle Masters & husband Stuart; Amy Strickhouser & husband Lee; Valerie Thomas & husband Justin; and nephews Brad Laughlin & wife Leslie; and Clark Laughlin & wife Jennifer. John is also survived by numerous grand nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Columbia Methodist Church or any Veteran Organization of your choice. Serving as pallbearers are Bruce Watson, Brad Laughlin, Dave Harrigan, Mark Davis, Tony and Gian Manzano.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Columbia Methodist Church, 315 S 16th Street, West Columbia, Texas. Visitation will be at 9:00 AM also at the church. Burial will follow at Old Columbia Cemetery, West Columbia, Texas.