Harry Leon McLaughlin

HARRY LEON MCLAUGHLIN, AGE 83

Died: In Houston, Texas on Sunday, September 29, at 6:32 p.m. after a long, tough fight with COPD & cancer (lung & lymph node).

Born: Jan 7, 1936 in St. Elizabeth Hospital, Beaumont, Texas to Ruth and George Earle McLaughlin. Raised by his Grandmother Mama MacDonald, Aunt Annie & Aunt Lillian after his mother died when he was only two years old.

He leaves behind his wife Pinky of almost 60 years, two sons: younger son, Tim, of Friendswood, TX and Kevin & his wife, Susi, from Colorado Springs, two grandsons, Owen & Jack & two step-grandsons, Alex and Zack. Also, his brother, George Earle & wife, Olive Ann, of Dallas. Many cousins, nieces and nephews across the country. A very special friend/ "daughter", Barbara Norton of Houston. He also leaves behind a few very  special friends from his school days in Beaumont. (Charlie, he really loved your daily 4 p.m. calls. thank you)

Harry had many accomplishments in his life. Most important to him was raising his two wonderful boys & teaching them critical life values such as an excellent work ethic, competitive spirit and passing on his great sense of humor.

As a youth in Beaumont, Harry won a 'Most Beautiful Baby' contest & was an outstanding athlete. He won the YMCA Ping Pong Championship, was a Golden Gloves boxer, a Jr Olympic swimmer, a high school football quarterback & an outstanding baseball player.

After high school, Harry joined the United States Air Force where he eventually served as a Drill Sergeant, played baseball & earned his black belt in karate.

After the Air Force, Harry pitched very briefly for the Boston Red Sox, before wrist surgery ended his baseball career.

Later in life, Harry loved to bird-hunt, fish & golf. In fact, in 2016, he had a hole-in-one.

Harry had several interesting work experiences. One summer, in high school, he helped forest rangers fight fires in Idaho.

In 1973, Harry led the incorporation of Whispering Oaks, a new town in Montgomery County, TX (now known as Woodloch). He was also elected the first Mayor & was re-elected until we moved to Chicago. 

In 1987, with his personal credit card, he & a partner started Valvetechnologies, Inc. A company that operates in the industrial valve industry for use in many business sectors including oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining and minerals, power generation, and pulp and paper. The company has been operating successfully for approximately 31 years.

He has been retired & living in Hearthstone since 1993, where he's lucky to have had tons of golf buddies & outstanding friends who are all sincerely appreciated. 

A wonderful loving husband & a great father, he will always be in our hearts. He will be missed by his family and so many caring friends.

Pinky & the family sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support from all of you.

With Love.

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