Gerald Dean Laughlin

Gerald Dean Laughlin, 96, of Pampa, passed away on September 23, 2020 in Pampa.

Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Fairview Cemetery with John Curry officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

Gerald Dean Laughlin, affectionately called "Jerry", was born on September 15, 1924 in New Providence, Iowa, to Melvin and Edna Laughlin. He was 96. Our collective hearts are obviously hurting but our souls rejoice knowing that he's in heaven. He graduated to be with Jesus on September 23, 2020.

He was an amazing father to his three sons. He was a loving and gentle grandpa to all his grandkids and a proud great grandpa to all his great grandkids. Gerald married Monique Weant Laughlin in July of 1943, and from that marriage was born Roy Laughlin, Owen Laughlin, and Jimmy Laughlin.

Gerald and Monique started life on a farm in Iowa.  They then moved to Higgins, Texas in 1957 where they bought the First National Bank.  They later bought the First Bank and Trust Company in White Deer, Texas.  Gerald moved to Pampa, where he directed both banks for many years. 

He was the embodiment of the American Dream. As a young man he never earned a degree but through hard work bought and paid off a farm in Iowa.  That launched him to muster the courage to buy a small bank in Higgins, Texas, relying on just a few college classes, hard work, a will to succeed and the blessing of the Lord. He was successful at many other business interests as well. Gerald loved the First United Methodist Church in Pampa where he sang in the choir for many years.  He loved being with family, flying, motorcycling, motor homing and tinkering with antiques.

He is survived by 2 sons, Roy Laughlin and wife Marki of Wheeler, Texas, and Owen Laughlin and wife Charlette of Edmond, Oklahoma; 7 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.