Buzz McLaughlin, 73

Clyde F. “Buzz” McLaughlin, age 73, of Leonidas, died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017 at his home. He was born in Oak Lawn, IL on Nov. 21, 1943 the son of the late Clyde and Edith (Barnett) McLaughlin. Buzz graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1961. He was married to Linda Shoulders on March 9, 1962, and they would later divorce. He served in the Air Force as a mechanic, repairing planes in Viet Nam and Japan. He continued his work with planes as a volunteer at the Kalamazoo Air Museum. Buzz earned his Associates Degree from Glen Oaks Community College. He was employed at Abbott Labs in Sturgis for many years, retiring from the maintenance department. Buzz was a NASCAR fan, and had raced many years ago at Mottville Speedway. He was also a former member of the Leonidas Volunteer Fire Department. Buzz was married to Maxine Williams-Hart on Nov. 21, 1980 in Leonidas. Maxine passed away on March 31, 2016.

Buzz is survived by 2 children, Penny (Steve) Hartman of Sturgis and Scott McLaughlin of White Pigeon; 2 step-children, Jim (Shirel) Hart and Debra (John) Johnson both of Mendon; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Thomas (Mary) McLaughlin of Sturgis; nephew, Andrew (Jamie) McLaughlin of Milford; niece, Sara (Eric) Rueppel of Sturgis; and great-nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been conducted. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon with Rev. David Farrell officiating. Military interment will follow in Lakeside Cemetery near Colon. Memorials will be directed to the Kalamazoo Air Museum. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com