John W. McLaughlin, 90, a former resident of Clifton/Morenci in Greenlee County, AZ, passed on October 16, 2019. An only child, he was born April 18, 1929, in Janesville, WI, to Gladys and Dick McLaughlin. His wife, Elvira (Vera) Ruiz McLaughlin preceded him in death by one year.
John was a U. S. Marines Corps veteran. He was the last Arizona State Senator from Greenlee County. He also served on the Arizona Department of Transportation Board, being a strong voice for rural Arizona. John was considered the cornerstone of Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services. SEABHS is the primary provider of mental health services for Greenlee and other rural counties in southeastern Arizona. John was a part of the Clifton Town Council, when the historic mining town launched its successful historic preservation efforts. These efforts include the award-winning preservation and restoration of the Clifton Train Depot built in 1919.
He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. John had an active, creative mind and a passion for people. He was involved in numerous activities focusing on the betterment of the communities he lived in. He also served on the board, and as at times, chairman of the Santa Fe Condo association in Sun City, Arizona.
John is survived by: daughters, Cheryl Lowery and Terry Fooks and husband Mark; sons, Michael and wife Cathy, Patrick and partner Peter, and Richard and wife Jenni. John was blessed with nine grandchildren, Ty (deceased), Ian, Natalie, Priscilla, Lydia, Gloria, Juan, Christopher and Andrew; six great-grandchildren, Keagan, Michael, Makayla, Andres, Anaiyah, and Kaylee; an eighth great-grandchild, Amelia, is expected to be born any day.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for John will be celebrated Saturday, December 7, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morenci. Rosary to be prayed at 9:30 a.m., eulogies at 10:00 a.m., also at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
