Donald Wayne Mclaughlin

Donald “Don” Wayne McLaughlin, age 79, of Stockton, Kansas, peacefully passed away on April 28, 2025, at Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center, Kansas. He was born on April 22, 1946, in Concordia, Kansas, to Elmer Wayne and Thelma Evelyn (Donaldson) McLaughlin.

On August 7, 1966, Don married Mary Ann Fix, who tragically passed away 11 days later. Finding love again, Don married Linda Lou Wagner on September 7, 1968, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. Together, they built a beautiful family, welcoming three daughters: Diana, Laurie, and Dawn.

Don spent his early years in Farmington Township on Bow Creek in Rooks County, Kansas, where his family instilled in him strong values and a deep connection to the land. He attended West Rockport Country School until the 5th grade, then he transitioned to Stockton Junior High School. In the spring prior to graduating from Stockton High School in 1964, Don received the prestigious award, Star Farmer of Kansas, through Future Farmers of America. He pursued higher education at Kansas State University for one year before returning to Stockton to dedicate his life to farming and cattle raising.

Throughout his life, Don was deeply committed to his community and made it a priority to give back. He was an active member of the 4-H Youth Program where he served as the Rooks County Free Fair sheep superintendent and livestock sale committee chairman for many years. He served in numerous community roles, including member of the USD 271 School Board, State Young Farmers Office, chairman of the Rooks County Farm Bureau Council, City Commissioner, and a member of the Methodist Church. His contributions extended to the Executive Board of Farm Management #5 and the Farmers Coop Board. Don was also known for spreading holiday cheer, delighting children as Santa Claus at the downtown Christmas event.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Linda McLaughlin, of the home in Stockton; daughters, Diana (Gail) Strutt of Stockton, Laurie (Brian) Fritz of Topeka, Kansas, and Dawn (Jerry) Gerstenkorn of Mansfield, Texas; six grandchildren: Bradley Strutt, Hayley (Stephen) Moll, Macey (Jackson Rebel) Strutt, Hannah (Clayton) Brummer, Ava Fritz, and Lily Gerstenkorn; four great-grandsons: Lincoln Moll, Theodore Moll, Sullivan Moll, and Beau Brummer; and Judy Schroeder, who was more like a sister than a cousin.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Thelma McLaughlin; first wife, Mary Ann (Fix) McLaughlin; and his in-laws, Ralph and Philippa Wagner and Floyd and Mary Fix.

As we remember Don, we celebrate a remarkable man whose warmth, dedication, and integrity touched the lives of many. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and community spirit that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10AM at the Stockton Church of Restoration. Inurnment will follow at the Stockton Cemetery. The family invites attendees to dress comfortably in casual attire.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Rooks County Free Fair and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.