James Laughlin, age 85 of Lexington, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2014. James William Laughlin was born April 21, 1929 in Wanette, OK, 1 of 6 children born to William Horace Laughlin and Emily Teresa (Weddle) Laughlin.

He was raised in Wanette and attended Wanette schools. At the age of 17, James joined the Merchant Marines and later the United States Army and he served his country proudly during the Korean War. After his service, James returned home to Oklahoma and married his true love; a young lady named Joan Lucille Duffy. They made their home in Lexington where they raised 4 children, sons James and Jeffrey and daughters, Janet and Judith.

James was a bit of a workaholic and believed that “hard work” merits success. He was a successful business owner for many years. James owned and operated both ONE East and the Quick Stop in Lexington, and also worked many rental properties in the Lexington and Purcell area. When not working, James was always doing something for others. In his retirement years, he and Joan enjoyed fishing and spent months at a time fishing for kokanees in Colorado and catfish and crappie in Arkansas. James was very proud of his Citizen Pottawatomi heritage and shared often of his Melot, Weddle and Navarre linear line. He was a wonderful husband and father; grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. James Laughlin will be dearly missed!

He was preceded in death by: His son, James Allen Laughlin; Parents, William and Emily Laughlin; Brother, Ralph Laughlin and 4 sisters, Hazel Daneke, Verna Fuller, Louise Haper and Patricia Laughlin.

James leaves behind: His wife, Joan Laughlin; Son, Jeffrey Laughlin and wife Cheryle of Cache, OK; 2 daughters, Janet Fundaro and husband Leo of OKC and Judith Lawson and husband Terry Wen of Lexington; 6 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and A host of other family and friends.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 18, 2014, at the Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Lexington Cemetery.