Danville – Richard “Buck” Laughrey, 87, passed away Tuesday June 16, 2020 at the Knox Community Hospital. He was a man with a big heart, who didn’t know a stranger and was a humble solid pillar in his family.
He was born April 20, 1933 in Knox County to Bert and Neva (Hess) Laughrey. Buck was one of the best fathers and grandpas, always playing with his children and grandchildren, or taking them somewhere for an adventure. He loved to tell stories, true or not, and if you wanted or needed something from him it would cost you a quarter. This will be a joke we will carry on in his memory.
He was a person who loved to hunt and visit the “cabin” often. At the cabin he would hike through the woods, feed the animals, or watch his birds. He was at peace when he was able to go to the Cabin and enjoy the quiet of the woods. The love for fishing was evident by finding him fishing wherever he could and his favorite was a yearly fishing trip to Canada for the past 60 years. He loved going to “Howry Creek” and Charlton Lake.
Graduating from Danville high school, he was served his drafting papers to enlist in the army during the Korean War, where he served 17 months. He served as deacon and then as superintendent for 15 years at the Brinkhaven Church of Christ. Other activities were being an active member and then serving as the commander to Danville American Legion Joseph Colopy Post #650, marching in all Danville memorial day parades proudly wearing his uniform from 1955. He retired from Conrail Railroad after 40 years, but after his retirement he seemed to find something to keep him occupied. Buck was actively working for the Knox County Park District up until 3 years ago, serving on committees to build parks, for festivals, or whatever he could volunteer for at the time. Buck was also a member of the Masons and the Shriners.
He and his wife would do presentations at the Danville school for Flag Day and other patriotic activities, supported by the Legion. Buck felt the importance to teach the children respect for the flag and enjoyed those presentations.
Our hearts are heavy, but we all know he is in a better place now, no more suffering from his battle with ALS.
He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean (Zimmerman) Laughrey, his daughters, Marti (Jeff) Durbin, and Jennifer (Ron) Durbin, grandchildren, Ben (Billie) Durbin, Jewellene (Joe) McConnell, Rochelle (Jeremiah) Corey, Ashley (Ryan) Meyer, Mallorie (Shaun) Coffield, and Grant (Sarah) Durbin, 18 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Donald “Sid”, Jim, and Earl Laughrey, and his sister, Betty Crider.
A funeral service will be held at the Fischer Funeral Home in Danville at Noon on Friday, June 19 with Chuck Oiler officiating. COVID-19 guidelines will be observed and seating will be limited to allow for more spacing. The service will be live streamed on Facebook as well at the Fischer Funeral Home -Danville page. Visitation will be from 10:00 until service time. Burial, with Military Honors by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard, of which he was a long time member, will follow in Workman Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the American Legion Post #650, PO Box 12 Danville, 43014, or to the Knox Parks Fund, in care of Knox County Foundation, 101 E. Gambier St., Mount Vernon, 43050.
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