Fred A. 'Buster' McLaughlin Sr. 1930-2004

Monday, June 14, 2004

ALTON -- Fred A. "Buster" McLaughlin Sr., 74, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 10, 2004, at his home.

He was born on Feb. 1, 1930, in Old Town, son of the late Clifford H. and Edith (Drake) McLaughlin.

He was a loving husband and father. He loved his grandchildren and was very proud of each one and all their accomplishments. He enjoyed traveling to sports events to watch his grandchildren run, ski, and play softball, field hockey and soccer. He also attended many musical concerts, gymnastics meets and dance recitals. He was an avid sportsman and never passed up an invitation to go hunting with his son and nephews. Buster loved to pick blueberries out on the Pushaw bog. He was a real "people" person and made friends wherever he went. He was very family-orientated and was very fond of his nieces and nephews and all their individual achievements. Buster spent many hours working at Alton United Methodist Church and in the community. You could find him pounding nails, waiting on tables or running the dishwasher at the senior citizens' dinners. He also volunteered with his wife on many of the work projects with the Old Town Rotary Club. He learned to play golf during his retirement and loved playing the game with his wife and his special friends, Lynette, Howard, Margaret and Reggie. His smiling face and joking personality will be missed and fondly remembered by all.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Eloise; children Beverly Monsulick and husband Stephen of Readfield, Fred McLaughlin Jr. and wife Eva of Alton, and Brenda McCormack and husband Peter of Alton; grandchildren Shannon McLaughlin of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Heather McLaughlin of Alton, and Stephen Monsulick III and Jennifer Monsulick of Readfield; sisters Mae Wickett of Old Town, Helen Avery and husband Bob of Greenbush, and Pearl Wade of Bradford; brother Paul McLaughlin and wife Shirley of Kennewick, Wash.; sister-in-law Dorothy McLaughlin of Old Town; father-in-law Nathan Kamen; brother-in-law Mark Kamen and his wife, Pam, of Boothbay Harbor; special aunt Lynette Pete; and sisters-in-law Jenny Madden of South Africa, and Florence Briggs and her husband, Arthur, of Florida. He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, George McLaughlin and Walter McLaughlin of Old Town; and a sister, Phyllis Sharp of Argyle.

A celebration of life will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, June 14, at Old Town United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Maria Guereca officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at Alton Cemetery immediately following the service.

Gifts in his memory may be sent to Alton Methodist Church, c/o Paulette Borja, 3945 Bennoch Road, Alton 04468. The family invites everyone to gather at Alton United Methodist Church following the burial for refreshments and continued fellowship.

Those who wish may visit http://www.mem.com to send a personal tribute. Arrangements are by Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town.

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