Donald Mclaughlin, Sr.

Donald Edward McLaughlin of Uvalde, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2018, in his home at the age of 85. He was born on September 10, 1932, in Taylor, Texas to Mamie Starnes and Thomas McLaughlin.

Donald grew up in Taylor as one of the youngest of 7 siblings. He attended Angelo State University and the University of Texas at Austin, where he played football and from which he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War. He later played professional football for the San Francisco 49'ers. In the summer of 1957, Donald met Barbara Ann Neal, of Austin, Texas, and they were married just 6 days later, on July 9, 1957. He enjoyed a career in coaching football at San Benito, and then Uvalde, Texas, where he learned the pipe business at Gensco Pipe Company, Joy Pipe, and Cherokee Pipe. In 2000, he later started his own business, DKM Enterprises, LLC, with his son Donald.

He was a dedicated football fan and businessman. He enjoyed 51 years of marriage with his beloved "Bebe," and he was very proud of the family they created. Known affectionately to many as "Senior," "Big Don," and likely his favorite, "Poppy," Don will be greatly missed by his growing family and many friends, including all those at DKM Enterprises.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and 6 siblings, Francis McLaughlin, Brian McLaughlin, Joan Lane, Gene McLaughlin, Beverly Boedecker, and Betty Mauer.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Jan and Bart McLaughlin of Kerrville, Texas; Connie and Walter Tidwell of Uvalde, Texas; Karen and Donald McLaughlin, Jr. of Uvalde, Texas; seven grandchildren, Steven McNew and his wife, Annabell; Barton McLaughlin and his wife, Helen; Maggie Wilborn and her husband, Bryan; Hunter McLaughlin; Wilkins McLaughlin and his wife, Hayley; Mac McLaughlin and Backor McLaughlin; and five great-grandchildren, Walter "Wally" Ames McNew, William Edward McLaughlin, Aileen "Ivy" Hemingway McLaughlin, Mary Ellen "Mae" McNew, and Barbara Ann "Bebe" Wilborn.

Honorary Pallbearers include Carl Lee Hellums, PeeWee Torres, David Trevino, Sr. Ray Lopez, Bill McWhorter, Louis Capt, Victor John Niemeyer, Kelly VanRoekel, and Misti Schrutka.

There will be a prayer vigil and rosary on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at 7:00 PM, and a memorial service on Monday, July 9, 2018 at 4:00 PM at St. Phillip's Episcopal Church.
Rev. Mike Marsh will be officiating. Cremation under the direction of Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to St. Phillips Episcopal Day School at 343 N. Getty St, Uvalde, TX 78801. You may specify a donation toward "Poppy's Play Place". This will be a Discovery Zone Sensory Play Yard and outdoor classroom for 3K-Kindergarten classes names in memory of Poppy.

Service

Memorial Service

St. Philips Episcopal Church
115 W. Mesquite St.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Monday, July 9, 2018
4:00 PM

Rosary

St. Philips Episcopal Church
115 W. Mesquite St.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Sunday, July 8, 2018
7:00 PM

Memorial Contributions

St. Philips Episcopal School
343 N. Getty St.
Uvalde, TX  78801